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Period: to
Social Cultural Changes
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The Automobile
With the invention of the assembly line by Henry Ford automobiles were easier to produce more than ever before. Not many people had cars at the start but near the end of the 1920's there were nearly 23 million drivers. It changed some geographical aspects of the United States as more roads were having to be made as a result of many more people driving. It also changed the major transportation mode to being cars rather than trains. -
Race Riots
The war brought forth a major migration of African Americans as many moved from the farms down south to take the factory jobs up north that were left by the soldiers. This is turn brought tensions between whites and blacks. Although it was better in some aspects then the south it still led to fights and heated tempers sometimes resulting into deaths. -
18th Amendment
The 18th Amendment brought Prohibition to the US. There were many people pushing this as alcohol was considered to be the cause for many breakup of families and much of the hardships in the US. This was objected by many and the repealement of this amendment later showed that protest to it. -
The Radio
The emergence of the radio greatly impacted American society. This served as a from of entertainment for many people. It was also a major way for people to recieve information. In 1929 almost 10 million Americans had a radio. -
Consumer Economy
Shortly after the world war the economy of the US was great. The factories were able to make new products and many of them. Consumers were making more money and in turn were spending more. With the indroduction of the new buy now, pay later policy consumers could spend more than ever. -
Jazz
Jazz captured the essence of the 1920's. Jazz was exciting and sensual and appealed to the younger masses. Many liked this music as they felt stifled by the middle class culture. This also started many popular recording agencies. -
Klu Klux Klan
The KKK was a powerful part of American life. It wass very important in politics and everyday life. The group had very anti-black and anti-catholic views and also some nativist views. Many Americans were part of this Klan. -
Rise of Mobs
Many mobs in big cities rose to prominence as a major part of the city. With Prohibition in effect, the mobs greatly profited from illegaly smuggling alcohol which gave them great power over the cities. One famous mob boss was Al Capone who was the leader of the Chicago Mob. -
Flappers
In the 1920's Flappers were rebelious young women. Influenced by the movies flappers often wore silk stockings, makeup, and short skirts. They also flaunted their lifestyle and danced to jazz. They did not represent all of the American women population however just a part of it. -
The Dust Bowl
As the farmers were growing more and more poor from war spending and with the start of the Great Depression meant that many were out of jobs. Most that were out of jobs were small farmers or ones that helped on the land. Many unemployed farmers travel out West to states like California as they heard there was work there. There was often not much for work however and they were not treated well out in those states.
