The Roaring Twenties refers to the period after the First World War between 1920 to 1929. The main characteristics of this period were economic developments such as growth of the consumer society as well as cultural developments among African American and women.
After an initial recession due to the effects of World War 1, American industries modernized, there was massive electrification, and the industrial sector expanded greatly. Unemployment declined to 3% and between 1922 and 1929, the Gross National Product (GNP) grew by 43%. Consumer incomes grew rapidly and fueled consumption. Manufacturers of new products such as radios, automobiles, and household appliances benefited greatly during those days. For instance, Henry Ford managed to develop an automobile assembly line thereby enabling faster production of automobiles by unskilled workers. As such, cars became affordable and ceased being toys for the wealthy. The growth of the automobiles industry gave rise to prosperity of gas station businesses, restaurants and promoted tourism businesses as it became easier for people to move from the rural areas.
Other industries that benefited during the Roaring Twenties were the food and leisure industries. Since many Americans had high incomes, they could afford to purchase commercial bread, canned fruits, and refrigerated foods. In addition, many American families could afford to visit cinema halls and spend on leisure activities.
Agriculture remained suppressed due to the aftermath of the war. The European farmers began producing food again, American farmers lacked markets for their produce leading to poor process. Farmers could not afford the luxury good and life of the industrialists in urban centers. Credit fueled much of the prosperity in other sectors, and the financial sector was negatively affected by the prosperity that many enjoyed in the 1920s leading to the great depression of 1929. Banking was ill regulated and owners of banks and financial institutions suffered massive losses towards the end of the Roaring Twenties era.
The division of classes of the rich and the poor led to the discrimination of women during the 1920s. Minority women especially African Americans continued to work in low-paid service jobs although more women continued to obtain better education. Minority groups such as Native Americans and African Americans faced discrimination. These groups had limited access to luxury good and a good life. They provided the unskilled labor in the upcoming industries and faced low wages as compared to the white workers in order to maintain the status quo.
Works Cited
The Roaring Twenties (1918-1929). 1920's.pdf
The “Roaring” Twenties, 1920-1929. Web 12 Nov 2014 http://www.amerikanistik.uni- muenchen.de/studium/lehre/kursmaterial/material_kult/gkkultur2/syllabus/09p.pdf
