USA features Flashcards
Describe two features of US society in 1918.
-One feature of US society in 1918 was that it was very diverse. This is supported by the fact that it had a population of 105 million people that came from a range of ethnic backgrounds such as Europe, Latin America and African Americans. However, the melting pot of different cultures often created tension and persecution.
-Another feature of US society in 1918 was that it was a Republic divided into 3 parts.
This is supported by the executive branch which was the elected present that sets policy. The legislative brach was the elected congress that makes laws. The judicial branch was the Supreme Court that checks laws are in keeping with the constitution. The division of powers meant there was a balance and that they could check the actions of each other.
Describe two features of the US economy during WW1.
-One feature of US economy during WW1 was immense industry growth. This is supported by the fact that factory production grew by 35%. This was mainly due to the steel industry which produced 26.1 million tonnes on steel in 1910 but 42.1 million tonnes in 1920. This was because Europeans were involved in the war and did not have the time to produce enough steel thus the USA provided these, causing the industries to prosper.
-Another feature of the US economy during WW1 was the growth of agriculture. This is supported by the fact that the USA supplied 30% of the world’s wheat and 55% of its cotton by the time Europe had recovered. This was because the European farmers had to fight in the war thus the USA provided these goods. This led to a 30% increase in the average income of a farmer that owned their own farm.
Describe two features of the US economy immediately after WW1.
-One feature of the US economy immediately after WW1 was social issues. This is supported by the fact that there were many race riots due to black Americans working in industrial cities. This was due to men joining the war in Europe, providing opportunities to workers from different ethnic backgrounds. Furthermore, men being in Europe also led to women joining the workforce. However, when the soldiers returned and re-entered the workforce, women lost their war time jobs and were forced to return to their homes.
-Another feature of the US economy immediately after WW1 was increasing unemployment in older industries and agriculture. This is supported by the fact that many industries such as coal mining were facing more competition from newer industries and lower aggregate demand for industrial and agricultural products as the war had ended. This led to farmers who had previously borrowed money to expand production struggle to pay their loans and therefore had to dismiss workers.
Describe two features of mass production in the 1920s.
-Introduced conveyor belt techniques.
-Involved use of assembly lines and division of labour.
Describe two features of advertising in the 1920s.
-Many different types of advertising.
-It was a big business.
Describe two features of consumerism in the 1920s.
-Led to increased variety.
-People bought more consumer goods.
Describe two features of hire purchase in the 1920s.
-Helped consumers buy products.
-Improved the economy.
Describe two features of the stock market in the 1920s.
-Ordinary people became shareholders.
-Led to more businesses being created.
Describe two features of US cinema in the 1920s.
-Generated more income for businesses thus therefore economic improvements.
-Led to more technological advances regarding colour, sound and animation of movies.
Describe two features of jazz music in the 1920s.
-Inspired new forms of dancing.
-Popular around the world.
Describe two features of the radio in the 1920s.
-It influenced how Americans spent their spare time.
-It was accessible and helped spread the news.
Describe two features of the motoring in the 1920s.
-Motoring became a hobby.
-Changed how people spent their leisure time.
Describe two features of the improvement’s women experienced in the 1920s.
-Made improvements in the world of work.
-They gained political rights.
Describe two features of flappers.
-They inspired female independence.
-Created social unrest.
Describe two features of the problems faced by farmers in the 1920s.
-Demand for their goods fell.
-Overproduction of goods.
