Aim How did American way of life change

Aim: How did American way of life change during the 1920 s? Do Now: a) You can review the review – Crash Course in US History: The Roaring 20 s b) Complete the 1920’s Changes Worksheet – Read the comparison between 1920 and 1929 and complete the chart and answer the two discussion questions. Homework: Study for test on Imperialism and WWI

1920’s Changes 1920 1929

1920’s Changes Questions: 1. What do you think were the most significant changes that occurred during the 1920 s? 2. To what degree do you think people living in the United States in 1920 were better off than people living in 1929?

Stations Activity Directions: You will have approximately Three-Four minutes per group to answer the discussion questions for each document. You will be examining six different documents. At each station, take a worksheet and complete the activity. You should keep one worksheet from each station. At the end of each six minute segment, you will rotate to the next table.

A. Effects of the Automobile The development of the automobile and assembly line in 1913 by Henry Ford led to the development cheap automobiles. Positives: sped up transportation, created jobs, suburbs, highways, brought families closer together. Negatives: people saved less money and led to a decline in going to religious services.

B. Consumer Goods Advertising led people to want the latest and greatest products • Mass Media, such as radio and billboards were used to attract customers. Electricity in homes enabled millions of Americans to purchase the new consumer appliances of the decade. • Vacuums, Refrigerators, Washers and Driers. "Buy now, pay later" became the credo of many middle class Americans. • All these new conveniences were impossible to afford at once.

C. Radio The radio enabled listeners to experience an event as it happened. • In the beginning people’s awe at hearing sounds through the air was so great they would listen to almost anything. The broadcasters decided to give them a mix of culture, education, information, and some entertainment.

D. Speakeasies The 18 th Amendment (1920) led to the prohibition of the production, transportation, and sale of alcoholic beverages. • Many people in the United States opposed this amendment and violated the law by going to places called speakeasies to drink and bootlegging alcohol. • Volstead Act became to difficult to enforce and Prohibition was repealed in 1933 with the passing of the 21 st Amendment.

E. Movies The film industry really bloomed in the 1920’s. • The movies of this time were being made at the first 20 Hollywood studios. • The films of the 1920's were in major demand during this era. • Most of the productions were all silent but theaters were packed every night.

F. Jazz Born in New Orleans, jazz combined West African rhythms, African American work songs and spirituals, and European harmonies. • Many older Americans worried that jazz and the new dances that accompanied it were a bad influence on the nation’s young people.

Apply your knowledge How did American way of life change during the 1920 s?