Consumerism: The Transformation of Daily Life
Thesis
As consumerism developed into a way of life in the 1920's, the prospect of mobility within the class system drove Americans to spend their money excessively. However, with the gain of materials came a loss of morals that used to define a person, causing conflict as Americans neglected their duties as citizens, such as voting, and resorted to self-gain only.
As consumerism developed into a way of life in the 1920's, the prospect of mobility within the class system drove Americans to spend their money excessively. However, with the gain of materials came a loss of morals that used to define a person, causing conflict as Americans neglected their duties as citizens, such as voting, and resorted to self-gain only.
Transportation
The introduction of Ford's Model T on October 1, 1908, completely revolutionized the lives of middle-class Americans. Starting at $850, the Model T was not cheap; however, the car's simple design and the utilization of the assembly line created more efficient and cheaper mass production, and over the course of its existence, the price was significantly reduced. By 1927, after the last Model T was rolled off of the assembly line, over half of all American families owned an automobile.
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As shown by these advertisements, the price of the Model T became more and more affordable to middle-class Americans throughout the 1920's.
The introduction of the automobile to middle-class Americans did not just provide a new mode of transportation; it completely changed the American lifestyle. Throughout the 1920's, America's infrastructure was completely altered as more roads were needed to match the growing spirit of consumerism that emerged with the Model T. People were able to travel farther distances in shorter amounts of time, connecting the country and making life easier for more than just upper-class Americans.
Electricity and Household Appliances
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Access to electricity in American homes was vital to a higher standard of living for the middle class. By the end of the 1920s, about two-thirds of households had electricity, further boosting the consumer economy. Household appliances such as refrigerators that required electricity were now accessible to the middle class, raising their quality of life and setting a new standard that surpassed that of the upper classes before the Roaring Twenties.
Entertainment
Entertainment in the 1920's was completely revolutionized by new innovations such as the radio. With over 10 million houses having access to a radio by the end of the decade, it was much easier for information to be spread across the country. Names of celebrities were able to make their way into American homes, and advertisements helped consumerism grow. However, the radio was often a negative influence on the lives of many Americans, as stereotypes and other messages were often sent that created the foundations for American culture in the 1920's.
Movies in the Roaring Twenties were also a large part of the entertainment industry. About 75% of Americans were able to attend grand cinemas to watch the latest productions from Hollywood. In 1927, sound was introduced to movies. Sports were popular forms of entertainment, and athletes like Babe Ruth were made famous and idolized by Americans. |