1. Technology Changes American Life
The Roaring 20s

2. During the 1920s, more and more products were built on assembly lines.
Cheap fuel powered this new prosperity. Petroleum and electricity became widely available.
The assembly line and new power sources made possible new inventions that made life easier and gave more time to leisure activities.

3. New Inventions Washing machines Toasters Refrigerators Vacuum cleaners
Sewing machines
Fans

4. Installment Plans
Sometimes these products, like cars, cost more than most Americans could afford.
Yet, there was a way for people to buy these products, even if they did not have enough money. These people could buy goods on credit through installment plans.
On an installment plan, a person could repay the amount they borrowed in small monthly payments.

5. A new radio, record player, or kitchen tool could be bought for $5 down and as little as $5 a month.

6. During 1920s, Americans began to spend their money
During 1920s, Americans began to spend their money. One industry that grew as Americans spent more was advertising.
Ads tried to convince people that they needed certain products.

7. Before the 1920s, most ads had been in newspapers.
During the 1920s, ads began to appear in other kinds of mass media.
Mass media refers to the communications the reach large numbers of people. Advertisers used radio, billboards, and magazines to sell products.

8. How did new technologies change American life?

9. 2) How did installment buying and advertising change the American economy?

10. How did new technologies change American life?
Americans had a wide variety of new consumer products in their homes from vacuum cleaners to toasters.
These inventions helped make daily lives easier and give more time for leisure activites.

11. 2) How did installment buying and advertising change the American economy?
People who usually could not afford to buy luxury products could now buy on credit. All they had to do was put a small amount of money down and pay the rest back in tiny monthly increments.
Advertising in the mass media in the 20s convinced Americans that they needed certain products. This convinced Americans to go spend their money on goods. Thus, helping the economy grow.