The Italian economic miracle (Italian: il miracolo economico, also known as boom economico) is the name often used by historians, economists and mass media to designate the prolonged period of sustained economic growth in Italy between the end of the Second World War and late 1960s, and in particular the years 1950-63. This phase of Italian history represented not only a cornerstone in the economic and social development of the country, that was transformed from a poor, mainly rural nation into a major industrial power, but also a period of momentous change in society and culture. As summed up by one historian, by the end of the 1970s, “social security coverage had been made comprehensive and relatively generous. The material standard of living had vastly improved for the great majority of the population."