Life in the 1920s
Natalie Herklotz
Mass Production
Mass production increased in the 1920s due to the assembly line. The Model T, developed by Henry Ford, was an automobile that was built from the assembly line. This decreased the cost of cars, which made them more affordable for the middle class. Not only were cars mainly for the rich, but they significantly increased social standings. Many other products were being mass produced, such as coke.
Technological Advancements
Many technological advancements were made in the 20th century, however, the radio was one of the most significant. Broadcasting was made available was possible which affected all aspects of society including politics and sports. Before societies were more concerned about local news, instead of national news, but the radio allowed long distance news and got the rural communities more involved.
Prohibition
The consumption of alcohol was becoming a major problem in societies, some of the problems involved public intoxication, prostitution, corruption and overall crime. Women and churches were main contributors to the attack on alcohol. Many people thought that prohibition would reduce unemployment, domestic violence, and poverty because people were going to work drunk and husbands were becoming abusive. The Volstead Act was passed by Congress and states that any type of manufacturing, selling, or transportation was illegal, but this did not stop people from consuming alcohol. Speakeasies were secret bars that allowed drinking, and overall the prohibition act was unsuccessful.
Entertainment
In 1927 the first "talking" film was produced, The Jazz Singer, was released along with production of other colored movies. Actors/Actresses were being paid more than presidents and were becoming well known throughout the nation. Dancing was very popular and was a common activity to do.
Music
Jazz and Blues heavily influenced the lifestyle of Americans. Bessie Smith was attributed to Blues music while Louis Armstrong was known for Jazz. Speakeasies and Cotton Clubs were places that held performances, though Speakeasies were secret bars.
Fads and Fashions
Dances like the Fox Trot and the Charleston were becoming popular. Many fashions began to form, most women cut their hair into short styles, wore makeup, smoked and wore more revealing clothing. Flagpole sitting was a common fad that involved a competition of sitting on top of a flagpole for as long as possible. Dance marathons were also popular considering dancing was a large part of the entertainment industry.