Life in the 1920s US History
The Roaring 20s and Major Changes The 1920s saw an unprecedented amount of change and upheaval that would change the course of life in the US. Business Standard of Living Role of Women
The Roaring 20s: Business Automobile Industry Detroit & Henry Ford lead the way Sells an inexpensive, easy to use, easy to repair car designed for the public. In 1914, Ford offered his workers $5 per day ($120 in 2014) Brings a flood of workers to Detroit and sets the stage for the explosion in cars Cars changed the nation: First paved roads suitable for driving in all weather Addition of garages to homes Gas stations, car repair businesses More people could go into cities and take long vacations
The Roaring 20s: Business Air Travel: America Takes Flight The Wright Brothers invent the airplane 1903, first controlled, heavier than air, human flight In 1927, aviator Charles Lindbergh makes first solo flight across the Atlantic Ocean The flights of Lindbergh and Amelia Earhart popularize commercial and cargo air travel
President Coolidge Loves Business Calvin Coolidge became President when Warren Harding died in office “Silent Cal” Coolidge was pro business Suited the growing industries in America at the time. The goal was to lessen government interference and allow private enterprise to grow. High tariffs on foreign imports helped American manufactures. Reducing taxes meant people had more money to spend— and they did!
The Roaring 20s: Standard of Living Superficial Prosperity With the end of WWI there was a feeling that America would always be prosperous Business was booming Workers wages were going up Birth of Modern Credit With the expansion of manufacturing and business there are many more things for people to buy People could now but things on “installment plans” One dollar now, one dollar forever What is the danger of buying something on credit? America has little idea what is coming around the corner.
The Roaring 20s: Role of Women With the expansion of production Americans had many more things to buy Electric iron Electric refrigerators Electric sewing machines With the rise of these modern conveniences women were able to leave the home The passage of the 19th amendment meant that women could have a say in how their government was run
The Roaring 20s: Role of Women This brings a new age for women Flappers Women begin demanding more from life By 1930, 10 million women work in jobs. The birth rate in America begins to drop Increases in information on birth control and family planning Marriages were increasingly based on romance and companionship