The Sun Belt, or Sunbelt, is the region in the south of the United States that includes both the Southeast and the Southwest. The second World War led to a reorganization of the country’s industries, which benefited the area significantly. As a result, the Sun Belt went through considerable economic and demographic growth, gaining significant influence in the process. However, the influx of population led to issues such as housing crises, intensifications of racism and ethnic discrimination, and others.
Nevertheless, the southern states were able to overcome the problems that arose and take a strong position in the political environment of the States. The war effort led to an intensification of many manufacturing industries, which was associated with a higher demand for workers and improved salaries. According to McDonald, the twelve metropolitan areas experienced a population growth of nearly 55% as a result of worker migration. Many of them used their high salaries and the rationing that limited the ability to spend money on various items to create sizable emergency funds. The savings allowed them to live comfortably in their new homes while looking for a new job after postwar layoffs. As such, the people who moved into the Southwest and increased their productive power stayed and found new occupations.
Many of the migrant workers belonged to minorities, whether racial or ethnic. When they found themselves gathering in large numbers in the same locations, they began feeling more confident and challenged the status quo in trends such as pachuco. The behaviors provoked a backlash among various groups, leading to rioting and protests. Ultimately, the legal system took the side of the minorities, which mostly consisted of American citizens, like in Westminster School District of Orange County v. Mendez et al. (161 F. 2d 774 (U.S. 1947)). The issues of inequality and discrimination were thus resolved, the Southwest was able to proceed into the new era united and more powerful than before.
The changes that occurred in the Sun Belt alongside the corresponding weakening of the rest of the States that was caused by the migrations enabled the area to increase its political significance. The economic power created by the numerous new workers increased its influence, and the resolution of the intergroup conflicts led the area to become a leader in progressive policies. Some of the cities in the area are still among the most prominent in the United States, and many leading politicians have emerged from the southern part of the country. The description is particularly appropriate for the Southwest, especially if California is included in the definition.