1. Life in the 1920s
US History

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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!

6. 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.

7. 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

8. 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