National Interstate and Defense Highways Act

The National Interstate and Defense Highways Act, passed in 1956, established a system of interstate highways in the United States. This law aimed to create a network of roads that would improve national defense and facilitate efficient transportation across the country. It allocated federal funds to build and maintain highways, which helped boost the economy by making travel and trade easier. The interstate system also transformed American life, influencing urban development, commuting patterns, and the rise of the automobile culture. Today, it remains a crucial part of the nation's infrastructure.