1920s American Culture Research Paper

In the 1920s, the rise and evolution of mass culture in America was based on economic, social, and societal changes. Just before the beginning of the 1920s, companies had to change their method of production during the war, which caused the government to interfere with the industry. The interference of the government eventually led to shortages and financial problems for consumers and workers. In this new decade, an increasingly large number of Americans are becoming poor and jobless. The cost of living became unfeasible. Conflict presented itself as the white soldiers came home from the war and saw African Americans working what they believed were their jobs; this resulted in an increase in anti-black riots, lynching, and massacres. Immigrants

Technological advancements were a major improvement over the 1920s. American outings increased as entertainment and transportation increased in popularity. Movies, sports, advertisements, magazines and the radio were principal factors of entertainment. These sources of entertainment influenced many to shop or go out to support their favorite player or actor. Americans would go out in their automobiles; by this time, around 23 million Americans had automobiles and these cars generated social and economic changes that benefited the American economy in many ways. More roads were built, more jobs were provided, and there was an expansion in infrastructure for travelers. Conversely, technology has allowed for a relaxed indoor lifestyle. Advancements in machinery, such as washing machines, vacuums, refrigerators and the electric motor allowed for a more efficient set of circumstances. These machines were being encouraged to be bought by advertisements in magazines or commercials on the radio. Radio helps with nationalism and homogenization in America. News, advertisements, and entertaining stories were told on the radio, leading to several radio stations popping up and more than several Americans having a radio in their homes. Science has also contributed to changes in home life. The introduction of birth control by Margaret Sanger permitted women to make a choice about starting a family. Planned Parenthood gives information for women and popularized contraception. Birth control and movement gave women the opportunity to gain a more important status in society. Women's movements were part of the many political and social movements that generated controversy in America during this time. Minority movements inconvenienced the protestant Americans with deeply rooted fundamentalist views. Though the biggest movement of the 1920s was not a minority