Explain the expanded role of advertising and consumer credit. why can it be said that the prosperity of the 1950s and 1960s was substantially consumer-driven?

It influenced consumer spending.  This encouraged people to go out and buy more products that they wanted.  Due to the postwar economic prosperity, many Americans had extra money to spend.  As a result producers launched a massive advertising campaign to encourage consumers to buy more.

it's a secular holiday. it is and was a custom developed to recognize the ending of a time and a wish for a good future. the kind of kiss you exchange, if you are single, is intended to predict what kind of year you will have in the coming year.

it is saying good bye to the last year with all its ups and downs, and hello to the new year, with all its hopes and dreams.

it foreshadows the theme of the paragraph and hints the topic that will be discussed in the paragraph!