The Roaring Twenties: Cultural and Social Transformation in America
The 1920s marked a transformative period in American history, characterized by significant cultural shifts and social changes that would define the Progressive movement and shape modern America. During this era, the APUSH Unit 9 topics encompassed dramatic developments in industry, society, and culture that reflected the nation's evolution from traditional to modern values.
The economic boom of the 1920s revolutionized American industry and consumer culture. Henry Ford's implementation of the assembly line in automobile production exemplified the era's industrial innovation, creating six million jobs by 1930 and establishing the automobile industry as America's leading economic sector. This period saw a 70% increase in industrial output, while new technologies like radio, movies, and electric appliances transformed daily life. The rise of white-collar jobs and "welfare capitalism" reshaped the American workplace, with businesses offering better working conditions to discourage union formation.
Definition: Welfare Capitalism - A business strategy where companies provided better working conditions and benefits to workers to prevent unionization and maintain control over labor relations.
The decade witnessed significant social changes, particularly regarding women's roles and cultural expression. The sexual revolution, influenced by Sigmund Freud's theories and Margaret Sanger's advocacy for birth control, challenged traditional values. Flappers emerged as symbols of female liberation, while women increasingly entered the workforce and gained access to more liberal divorce laws. The cultural landscape was further enriched by the Jazz Age, with pioneers like Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington revolutionizing American music.