Decade - 1920s

In 1927, the cost of living was significantly lower than today. A loaf of bread averaged about 9 cents, a dozen eggs cost around 45 cents, and a gallon of gasoline was approximately 21 cents. Additionally, the average rent for a modest apartment was around $50 per month, while a new car could be purchased for about $400.

The economic boom of the 1920s, often referred to as the "Roaring Twenties," was driven by several factors, including technological advancements, increased consumerism, and a booming stock market. Innovations like the automobile and household appliances fueled mass production and consumption, while credit expansion allowed consumers to purchase goods on installment plans. Additionally, post-World War I economic recovery and a shift toward a more modern industrial economy contributed to the rapid economic growth during this period. However, this boom also set the stage for the eventual stock market crash in 1929.

One example of a social change in the 1920s was the increased acceptance and visibility of women in the workforce and public life due to the passage of the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote in 1920. This change led to shifts in gender norms and roles in society.

The economic boom of the 1920s significantly benefited the middle class, as rising wages and increased access to credit enabled them to enjoy a higher standard of living. Many middle-class families purchased automobiles, household appliances, and new technologies, which transformed their daily lives. Additionally, the era saw a cultural shift, with more leisure activities and consumer goods becoming accessible, fostering a sense of prosperity and optimism. However, this newfound wealth also led to increased consumerism and, ultimately, contributed to the economic instability that preceded the Great Depression.

August Pullman lives in North River Heights in Upper Manhattan, New York City.

August Pullman, often referred to as "Auggie," is the main character in the novel "Wonder" by R.J. Palacio. He is a young boy with a facial difference due to a genetic condition, which has led him to be homeschooled until he enters fifth grade. The story follows Auggie as he navigates the challenges of starting school, facing bullying, and seeking acceptance from his peers. His journey emphasizes themes of kindness, empathy, and the importance of looking beyond appearances.

Life in Oklahoma from the 1900s to the 1918s was marked by significant change and challenges, particularly due to the state's transition from Indian Territory to statehood in 1907. The economy was primarily agrarian, with many residents relying on farming and ranching, but the region also faced hardship during events like the Dust Bowl and the Great Depression. Socially, the period was characterized by racial segregation and tension, alongside a burgeoning cultural identity influenced by Native American heritage and the influx of settlers. Additionally, the impact of World War I brought both economic opportunities and social changes, as many Oklahomans contributed to the war effort.

Calvin Coolidge's presidency (1923-1929) embodied a philosophy of limited government and fiscal conservatism, which contrasted sharply with the more exuberant and consumer-driven mindset of the 1920s. While the era was marked by a booming economy, cultural dynamism, and a spirit of innovation, Coolidge often promoted a hands-off approach to governance and emphasized traditional values and personal responsibility. His famous quote, "The business of America is business," reflected a focus on economic growth rather than the social changes many Americans were embracing, such as increased leisure and consumerism. Thus, Coolidge's reserved leadership style stood in stark contrast to the decade's vibrant social changes and material aspirations.

Movies was the new form. They were silent films with no talking heard and were black and white. It won’t be until 1930 that the first film with sound is made and the first color movie was Wizard of Oz. The scenes in Oz were hand colored in the film. Charlie Chaplain made one of the first early films with special effects.

Cars were seen as a catalyst for social change in the 1920s because they provided increased mobility and freedom for individuals. They allowed people to live further from their workplace and led to the rise of suburbs. Cars also changed dating behaviors and social norms, as young people could easily drive to new locations and socialize.

A 'speakeasy' was American slang for an illegal premises selling alcohol during the Prohibition. Prohibition made the production, selling, drinking of alcohol a crime.

In the 1920s, the agricultural sector faced significant challenges due to falling demand and rising debt. After World War I, prices for crops decreased sharply as European markets recovered, leading to reduced income for farmers. Many were unable to pay off loans taken during the war to expand their operations, resulting in widespread financial distress and contributing to the economic instability that preceded the Great Depression.

It did not allow African Americans to join.

Young people of the 1920s were more independent from their parents due to the changing social norms and values brought about by urbanization and modernization. They had greater access to education, job opportunities, and leisure activities, which enabled them to challenge traditional ways of thinking and pursue their own desires and interests without as much parental guidance or constraints.

The rise in gangsters during the 1920s was primarily due to Prohibition, which banned the sale of alcohol, creating a lucrative underground market for bootlegging. Gangsters took advantage of this opportunity to make huge profits, leading to the growth of organized crime. Additionally, social and economic instability during this time provided fertile ground for criminal activities to flourish.

They were farm workers from Mexico.

normalcy

The American Federation of Labor (AFL) weakened during the 1920s partly due to the economic prosperity of the decade, which diminished the urgency for labor reforms and led to a decline in union membership. Additionally, the rise of anti-labor sentiments, fueled by the Red Scare and fears of communism, contributed to government crackdowns on organized labor. Internal divisions within the AFL, particularly between craft unions and industrial unions, also weakened its overall influence and cohesion.

The 1920s saw significant shifts in lifestyles, marked by a move towards urbanization and consumerism. The rise of the automobile transformed mobility and social interactions, while the expansion of mass media, including radio and cinema, shaped popular culture and entertainment. The decade also witnessed changing social norms, particularly regarding gender roles, as women gained greater independence and visibility, exemplified by the flapper movement. Overall, these changes contributed to a more modern, dynamic society that embraced new ideas and ways of living.

The two primary groups involved in the racial tensions of the 1920s were African Americans and white Americans, particularly members of the Ku Klux Klan. The 1920s saw a resurgence of the Klan, which targeted African Americans, immigrants, and other minority groups, promoting white supremacy and racial violence. This period was marked by significant events such as race riots, lynchings, and the Great Migration of Black Americans to northern cities, which heightened conflicts over jobs, housing, and social status. These tensions reflected broader societal struggles over race and identity in the United States during that era.

In the 1920s, American entrepreneurs significantly boosted the economy by driving innovation and expanding consumer industries. They introduced mass production techniques, exemplified by Henry Ford's assembly line, which lowered costs and made goods more accessible. The rise of new sectors, such as automobiles, radio, and household appliances, created jobs and stimulated consumer spending. Additionally, the era's speculative investments and booming stock market reflected their confidence in economic growth, further fueling prosperity.