America 1920s- Economy and Society

Question 1

how did the first world war contribute to the economic boom in the usa?

Answer 1

because Europe needed lots of materials to help rebuild their society and as the was no war in america they had lots to spare as they didn’t need to rebuild

Question 2

how did low taxes boost the economy

Answer 2

it was when the republican government decreased the taxes this then meant that people had more money to spend on businesses so the economy could grow as money was being but into it

Question 3

what was the construction line and how did it help improve the economy

Answer 3

it was when a product would be moved along a line and lots of different people would but on different bits for example instead of making one car one by one and taking ages you would have some one put on one peace and another person puts a different peace on this meant they could make products much faster for example there would be 6 ford cars made a minute. this improved the economy as it made the product cheaper so more people could afford it so then more people could benefit from it

Question 4

what was overproduction

Answer 4

as products became more available, supply increased demand. this meant that it is harder is make a profit this was especially hard on farmers

Question 5

what was prohibition

Answer 5

it was when selling and drinking alcohol became illegal in the us

Question 6

why did prohibition fail- review question

Answer 6

because of bootleggers these where people who would smuggle in alcohol from Canada or just sell it illegally

Question 7

name three groups of people that where struggling in america in the 1920s

Answer 7

1. immigrants because of low payed jobs and low living conditions
2. communists
3. African Americans they where being attacked by the kkk and suffered segregation

Question 8

give 3 examples of the boom in the usa in 1920s

Answer 8

1. Growth in consumerism- demand for cars, telephones, fridges.
2. New infrastructure- road building, electricity
3. New industries
   - advertising, fashion industry

Question 9

Name 5 reasons why was there a boom?

Answer 9

1. industrial strength of the us- they had all the resources they needed as such a large country
   2.WW1- US supplied europe with food and industrial goods they needed and could produce due to war.
2. Republican policies and laissez faire politics- low taxation and pro business approach in government. Also introduction of import tax encouraged people to buy us made.
3. New consumerism and mass production- impact of henry ford.
4. The usa state of mind- the people believing they had the right to prosperity

Question 10

Why did farmers not benefit from the boom?

Answer 10

Many farmers went bankrupt due to over production. Over production of crops by new machinery meant the price of grain dropped and farmers could not make a profit. Also had competition from Canadian wheat farmers

Question 11

Why did workers in older industries not benefit from the boom?

Answer 11

workers in coal, leather and textiles did not benefit- coal was impacted by electricity and oil and the leather industry had competition from new made made fabrics.

Question 12

why did the poor and unemployed not benefit from the boom

Answer 12

the republican policy of non interference meant the poor got poorer, as no support from the government. 42% of Americans lived below the poverty line. Many people also unemployed i,e farmers and worked in old industries

Question 13

what does the term “roaring 20s” refer to?

Answer 13

This refers to the social change that happened in the 20s as a result of the economic growth.

Question 14

Name 3 features of social change that happened in the roaring 20s?

Answer 14

1. growing cities: for the first time more people lived in cities than in the country.
2. Entertainment: with higher wages people had more money to spend on having fun- cinema, radio, sport all flourished.
3. Morals: the 1920s youth became more easy going with lower moral standards according to the older generation- this was attributed to the spread of jazz, cinema, contraception and ready money.

Question 15

Name 3 indicators that show the change in the role of women in the 1920s

Answer 15

1. women were given the right to vote
2. women were working and earning their own money.
3. flapper girls were the image of new woman-more social freedom and more carefree

Question 16

what was the red scare?

Answer 16

this was the fear of communism in 1920s

Question 17

what happened to sacco and vanzetti?

Answer 17

in this famous trial they were executed as a result of an unfair trial and a prejudiced judge- both were immigrants and perceived to be anarchists

Question 18

Name 3 reasons why did the us government introduced prohibition?

Answer 18

1. Many groups such as the anti-saloon league perceived alcohol as the cause for decline in morals and social standards.
2. The ban of alcohol was supported by big business men as their workers would be more reliable and work faster if not drinking alcohol.
3. Also many breweries had German origin so considered un patriotic to support trade with Germany.

Question 19

Name 4 reasons why the prohibition failed?

Answer 19

1. The american people- a high % of people went to the illegal speakeasy bars to drink alcohol. People also making home made moon shine and other brews.
2. Police corruption- many of the police did not agree with it so would turn a blind eye.
3. gangsters such as al capone set up violent organised crime to make their fortune selling alcohol which lead to more violence.
4. bootleggers and smugglers- alcohol was often smuggled in from canada and the west indies and sold in the us

Question 20

what was the prohibition?

Answer 20

in 1919 the us government made the sale of alcohol illegal

Question 21

What was the ‘boom’ in 1920s America?

Answer 21

The ‘boom’ refers to the period of rapid economic growth in the 1920s when the U.S. economy expanded significantly, with mass production, technological advances, and a consumer-driven society.

Question 22

What were the main causes of the economic boom in the 1920s

Answer 22

The main causes included technological advances (e.g., the automobile), new industries, mass production techniques, Republican policies (tax cuts and limited regulation), and the growth of consumer goods.

Question 23

How did natural resources contribute to the economic boom

Answer 23

America’s vast natural resources (coal, oil, iron, etc.) helped fuel industrial growth, making raw materials readily available for manufacturing and driving down production costs.

Question 24

How did World War I contribute to the economic boom in the 1920s?

Answer 24

WWI increased demand for American goods and boosted industrial output. After the war, the U.S. emerged as a global economic power, benefiting from European countries’ need for American loans and products.

Question 25

What were Republican policies, and how did they impact the 1920s economy

Answer 25

Republican policies favored low taxes, high tariffs, and minimal government intervention in the economy. These policies helped businesses thrive and encouraged the growth of consumer culture.

Question 26

What is mass production, and how did it drive the economic boom?

Answer 26

Mass production is the large-scale manufacturing of products using assembly lines. It reduced costs, increased efficiency, and made goods like cars affordable for the average American

Question 27

What role did hire purchase play in the 1920s economy

Answer 27

Hire purchase allowed people to buy goods (like cars and household items) on credit and pay in installments. This helped boost consumer spending and contributed to the economic boom.

Question 28

How did advertising influence the American economy in the 1920s?

Answer 28

Advertising created demand for products by persuading consumers to buy goods they didn’t necessarily need, leading to increased sales and fueling the economy

Question 29

How did the Ford Motor Company revolutionize industry in the 1920s?

Answer 29

Henry Ford’s introduction of the assembly line made car production faster and cheaper, making cars more affordable for the average American and boosting the economy.

Question 30

What was the ‘state of mind’ of many Americans during the 1920s boom

Answer 30

Many Americans were optimistic and confident, with a focus on material wealth, consumerism, and technological progress, although there was also fear of economic instability.

Question 31

Which groups did not benefit from the economic boom?

Answer 31

Farmers, workers in old industries, the poor, the unemployed, immigrants, and African Americans did not benefit equally from the economic boom.

Question 32

Why did farmers struggle during the 1920s economic boom?

Answer 32

Farmers faced overproduction, falling crop prices, and high debt. Despite industrial growth, agricultural prices remained low, and many farmers faced financial hardship.

Question 33

How did overproduction affect farmers in the 1920s?

Answer 33

Overproduction led to a surplus of crops, driving prices down. Farmers struggled to make a profit, leading to financial problems and some losing their land

Question 34

Why did workers in old industries struggle during the economic boom?

Answer 34

Workers in industries like coal mining and textiles suffered from low wages, long hours, and poor working conditions. These industries were often less profitable compared to new sectors like cars and electronics.

Question 35

How did the poor and unemployed suffer during the 1920s

Answer 35

The economic boom benefited the wealthy and middle class, but the poor and unemployed were often excluded from the benefits, struggling with poverty and lack of job opportunities.

Question 36

How did immigrants fare during the economic boom of the 1920s?

Answer 36

Immigrants faced discrimination and were often confined to low-paying jobs. While some found work in booming industries, many were excluded from the prosperity of the period.

Question 37

How did African Americans fare during the 1920s economic boom?

Answer 37

Despite the cultural flowering of the Harlem Renaissance, many African Americans still faced racial discrimination, poor living conditions, and limited economic opportunities in the South and North.

Question 38

What was the stock market boom in the 1920s

Answer 38

he stock market boom refers to the rapid increase in the value of stocks, driven by speculation, easy credit, and optimism about the economy. This contributed to a consumer-driven economy but also created financial instability

Question 39

What were the key features of entertainment during the 1920s

Answer 39

Entertainment included jazz music, the rise of cinema, radio broadcasts, and dance crazes. The 1920s is often called the “Jazz Age” due to the popularity of jazz music.

Question 40

How did cinema become a major part of 1920s entertainment

Answer 40

The film industry grew rapidly, with Hollywood emerging as the center. Silent films like “The Jazz Singer” introduced sound, revolutionizing the cinema experience.

Question 41

How did jazz music influence American society in the 1920s?

Answer 41

Jazz, originating from African American communities, became widely popular and symbolized the cultural vibrancy of the 1920s. It also challenged traditional norms and was linked to the idea of freedom and rebellion.

Question 42

How did the role of women in society change during the 1920s

Answer 42

Women gained more freedom, with many entering the workforce, gaining the right to vote (1920), and embracing new fashions and lifestyles. However, traditional gender roles still persisted for many.

Question 43

What were flappers, and what did they represent?

Answer 43

Flappers were young women who rejected traditional norms, wearing shorter dresses, bobbed hair, and embracing a more liberated lifestyle. They symbolized the changing role of women in the 1920s.

Question 44

What was Prohibition, and why was it introduced in 1920

Answer 44

Prohibition was the nationwide ban on the production, sale, and distribution of alcohol. It was introduced due to concerns about alcohol’s negative effects on society, particularly on families and workers

Question 45

How did Prohibition impact American society in the 1920s

Answer 45

While it aimed to reduce crime and improve public morality, Prohibition led to the rise of illegal alcohol trade, speakeasies, and organized crime, making it difficult to enforce.

Question 46

How did organized crime benefit from Prohibition?

Answer 46

Organized crime syndicates, like those led by Al Capone, profited from smuggling and selling illegal alcohol. Prohibition created a huge underground market for alcohol.

Question 47

Why was Prohibition eventually ended in 1933

Answer 47

Prohibition was widely seen as a failure, with high levels of corruption, lawlessness, and crime. The economic costs of enforcing it during the Great Depression also contributed to its repeal.

Question 48

What was the Red Scare in the 1920s

Answer 48

The Red Scare was a fear of communism and radical political movements after the Russian Revolution of 1917. It led to widespread suspicion, the suppression of left-wing activists, and anti-immigrant sentiments.

Question 49

How did the case of Sacco and Vanzetti reflect the fears of the Red Scare

Answer 49

Sacco and Vanzetti, two Italian immigrants, were convicted of murder in 1921 largely due to their political beliefs and ethnicity. Their trial reflected the fear and prejudice against immigrants and radical ideas during the Red Scare.

Question 50

What was the impact of the Red Scare on immigration in the 1920s

Answer 50

The Red Scare increased anti-immigrant sentiment, leading to stricter immigration laws (e.g., the Immigration Act of 1924) and limiting the number of immigrants from Southern and Eastern Europe.

Question 51

How did racial tension affect African Americans in the 1920s

Answer 51

African Americans faced continued racial discrimination, particularly in the South. While the Harlem Renaissance celebrated Black culture, racism and segregation were widespread.

Question 52

What was the role of the Ku Klux Klan (KKK) in the 1920s

Answer 52

The KKK experienced a resurgence in the 1920s, spreading its influence beyond the South and targeting not only African Americans but also immigrants, Catholics, Jews, and other minorities.

Question 53

How did the KKK impact society in the 1920s

Answer 53

The KKK used violence and intimidation to maintain white supremacy. It influenced local and state politics and created a climate of fear and racial hatred, especially in the Midwest and South.

Question 54

What was the significance of the Harlem Renaissance in the 1920s

Answer 54

The Harlem Renaissance was a flourishing of African American culture, particularly in literature, music (jazz), and art. It helped reshape American culture by highlighting African American contributions and challenging racial stereotypes.

Question 55

Who were some key figures in the Harlem Renaissance

Answer 55

Key figures included writers like Langston Hughes and Zora Neale Hurston, jazz musicians like Duke Ellington and Louis Armstrong, and artists like Aaron Douglas. Their work helped define African American culture during the 1920s

Question 56

How did the growth of the automobile industry influence American society in the 1920s?

Answer 56

The automobile industry revolutionized American life by promoting suburban expansion, creating new jobs, and enabling greater mobility. The Ford Model T made cars affordable, and roads, gas stations, and motels were developed to meet the growing demand

Question 57

What were “speakeasies” during Prohibition, and why were they important?

Answer 57

Speakeasies were illegal bars where people could drink alcohol during Prohibition. They became important symbols of resistance to Prohibition laws and contributed to the growth of organized crime.

Question 58

How did the 1920s contribute to the rise of consumer culture in America?

Answer 58

The economic boom, technological advancements (e.g., cars, household appliances), and the rise of mass advertising helped create a consumer-driven economy. People were encouraged to buy goods on credit, leading to a culture of materialism and consumerism.

Question 59

How did women’s fashion in the 1920s reflect social changes

Answer 59

Women’s fashion in the 1920s became more relaxed and practical. Dresses became shorter, hair was cut into bobs, and women wore less restrictive clothing, reflecting their desire for greater freedom and independence