Industrial Growth and Technological Advancements:
- Manufacturing and industries thrived, leading to increased productivity and mass production.
- New technologies such as automobiles, radios, and household appliances became widely accessible, transforming daily life and leisure activities.
Consumerism and Materialism:
- The economic prosperity fueled a culture of consumerism, encouraging people to buy more products and luxuries.
- Advertising became sophisticated, shaping society's desires and consumption patterns.
Urbanization and Migration:
- The expansion of industries attracted workers to urban areas, leading to the growth of cities.
- There was a great migration of people from rural areas to urban centers, reshaping the demographic makeup of the country.
Cultural and Social Changes:
- The era witnessed a flowering of cultural and artistic expression, known as the Harlem Renaissance.
- Jazz music, dance, literature, and art flourished, challenging societal norms and conventions.
- Women gained greater social and political rights, including the ratification of the 19th Amendment in 1920, which gave women the right to vote.
Prohibition and Speakeasies:
- The Prohibition era, initiated by the 18th Amendment in 1920, banned the production, sale, and consumption of alcohol.
- However, speakeasies and bootlegging emerged, creating an underground culture that influenced popular culture and challenged the effectiveness of the law.
Increased Leisure Time and Entertainment:
- With economic prosperity came more leisure time for many people.
- Sports, movies, and entertainment industries flourished, providing new forms of recreation and social engagement.
While the 1920s brought tremendous prosperity, it also highlighted some social and economic disparities. The boom largely benefitted certain sections of society, neglecting the needs of marginalized communities, which ultimately contributed to the economic downturn and the Great Depression of the 1930s.