Also, after World War 1, America took over as a leading producer as many European industries had suffered greatly because of the war. Government policies meant that businesses could thrive without government interference. World War 1 led to new markets being opened to America. This resulted in America developing new industries and new industrial ideas. These new industries meant that Americans believed that America was the most powerful country in the world.
During the 20th century, the automobile changed American society in many ways. Before the automobile, travel took twice as long and people did not see how they could explore the world outside their home. New ideas were created to simplify lives of Americans and industries boomed creating economic prosperity. After the automobile, new positions became available and gave many Americans the opportunity to make a living. Travel was made easier and faster.
For example the cars needed steel and rubber and due to the vast amounts of cars being produced much steel and rubber was being produced hence more employment. The 'T-model' car was coming off the production line at one every 10 seconds at one stage! As many people were buying cars, more roads had to be made, and this created large employment (at one point making roads was the USA's largest employer), boosting the economy. Many people bought cars on credit, again stimulating the economy. The automobile industry did indeed have a major role to play in the prosperity of the 1920s.
The ‘Automobile Revolution’ massively impacted the United States, from environmental issues all the way to how people lived their everyday lives. (“1920’s”; Wikipedia) During the twenties a major technological revolution had come forth into the spotlight, Henry Ford’s assembly line. The widely acclaimed assembly line allowed for manufacturing companies to create much more product to sell, one of these products was your everyday automobiles. With these companies being able to make increasing numbers of vehicles they were able to supply the skyrocketing demand that the public wanted. Prosperity during this time allowed for the residence to afford these worldly purchases they so greatly desired.
World War I had placed great strains on the economies of the most European nations that were involved in the conflict. With trade agreements with countries like Britain, France and United Kingdom America’s economy flourished, as they forced these countries to accept goods in exchange for debt. The economy of America soared to new heights. America’s abundant natural resources and technological advances were used to become leaders in manufactured exports. (Encl) Usually the general public would opposed big business owners to partner with government, but as the lifestyles of many Americans elevated these relationships were accepted.
Although Woodrow Wilson intended for this purpose, it soon became clear that these roads were beginning to become very popular among normal citizens. The Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1921 had a relatively limited $75 million budget for improving the roads; this small budget proved to be inadequate for the large project that the United States planned to embark on.... ... middle of paper ... ..., and social aspects of society. It was one of the main reasons why the United States had so much success throughout the 1950s. It allowed more businesses to prosper, while also increasing the quality of life for normal people. It also boosted sales in one of the biggest industries in America to this day: the automobile industry.
“The Roaring Twenties were the period of that Great American Prosperity which was built on shaky foundation”. This quote came from an anonymous person describing the great life in the 20’s. It’s very true because it was a great time of social and economic growth, but it was a very unstable and random way of living, which didn’t end up lasting as long as some had hoped. As time goes by in history, many things make America what it is today. The roaring twenties were the most important years contributing to the change in America.
If I could live in just the 20’s and return to the future before millions of Americans went bankrupt, that would be the best case scenario. So, while the Twenties would be a wonderful time to live in due to the rise of rich culture and economic prosperity of the country at the time, there would be several obvious disadvantages to living there as well. Though these dangers and problems of the 1920s are frightening, they are no match for the good feelings and positive atmosphere that the 20s hold as a decade. The positives far outweigh the negatives in this situation, unless I also have to live through the Great Depression in the 30’s. Speaking for the 20’s completely independently, it would be one of the greatest times of American History to live in and I, personally, would be glad to.
During the 1920s the United States was in an economic high point. Following World War I people had more money to spend due to the wartime boom in the economy. People were able to buy products on credit, and pay small installments later. This process allowed people more freedom to purchase items, such as refrigerators, radios, and cars, when previously they had not been able to. The 1920s got its reputation as the “Roaring Twenties” from the economy in part because the economy was booming, and people were purchasing products on credit and stocks on margin.
In the 1920s, the United States enjoyed a great economic growth, which enabled millions of Americans to spend larger amounts of money. Recently invented items, such as cars, also contributed to this dramatic rise of consumerism that occurred during this period. Advertising campaigns helped to fuel the demand for the newly invented items. However, many economists believe that this over indulgence and over spending were harbingers to the Great Depression of the 1930s. The consumerism in the 1920s paved the way for a changing life style and attitude over money and spending in America.