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Canceled Government Contracts
After the Great War ended, the government canceled sales with companies producing products needed for the war, worth billions of dollars. This caused the American economy to quickly spiral downward, with layoffs and budget cuts for those working. Men coming back from the war did not have any jobs waiting for them at home. This causes a lot of social and political change. -
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The Roaring 20s
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18th Amendment
The 18th Amendment outlawed drinking in the U.S. 364 days later, on January 16th, 1920, the Volstead Act was passed and went into effect at midnight. It immediately shut down every tavern, bar and saloon. But of course, there was the Black Market, and people made and sold Alcohol of their own concoction. It was a lot less safe, and a lot more unhealthy. -
American Cities
More people live in cities than on farms for the first time in American history. In these cities, they are exposed to a brand new "consumer culture" where inventions like refrigerators, vacuums, toaster ovens, etc. Nationwide stores are popping up all over the country. Suddenly, people are listening to the same music, watching the same movies from coast to coast. -
19th Amendment
The 19th Amendment guaranteed voting rights for women! As they begin to have more respect they start to hold white-collar jobs, usually as secretaries. It isn't much but it's a start, enough for them to participate in the newly found "consumer culture". -
The First Commercial Radio
The first commercial radio originated in Pittsburg and was called "KDKA". By about 1929, 12 million homes had radio service in their homes. The cinemas were booming too. At the end of the 20s, about 75% of Americans visited the movie theater every week. -
The Ford Model T
The Ford Model T was the most popular car of the 20s. They were manufactured from 1908-1927, and you had to have generous credit in order to afford it. However, part of the "consumer culture" was "Let's put everything on credit!" Many people did this to make luxuries (like a fridge*) affordable. However, it turned out not to be so good in the long run. By 1929 1 in 5 americans had cars. This made way for new roads, motels and gas stations. -
Conflicts
1.) City Dwellers vs. Small Town Folk
2.) Catholics vs. Protestants (Prespreterian?)
3.) Blacks vs. Whites
4.) "Flappers" or scandalous women who smoke and drank and partied in the cities, vs. more traditional maternal, churchgoeing women.
