The Roaring Twenties

•America entered the age of consumerism where people had money to spend on consumer goods.
•This spending stimulated industry and business, leading to massive changes in entertainment and leisure.

Industry and Social Change

•Industrial production virtually doubled in the 1920's. America was in the cycle of prosperity.
•The 5 causes of this were isolationism, technology, mass production, hire purchase and shares.
•Isolationism-the government imposed high tariffs to limit foreign competition.
•Technology-advances led to the rise in the electrical, chemical and film industries, and new products were available to buy.

Problems in the 1920's

•Farmers, industrial workers and African-americans all struggled in this period
•Farms were producing too much, which led to food prices dropping.
•Farm labourers earned only $49 a month, where as skilled factory workers could earn $140 a month.

Prohibition and Crime

•1920-the 18th amendment was passed, which banned the production, transportation or selling of alcohol. This was called prohibition.
•There were 4 main reasons why prohibition was introduced: the national mood, the Anti-Saloon League, the Christian Temperance Movement and supplies.
•1929-the Wickersam report stated the prohibition was not working.