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How Advertising Changed American Society In The 1920's

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Grace Desrosiers Rutledge US History (H) 4/15/24 Following the tragedies and victories of World War I, America underwent extreme changes. The biggest cause of these changes was the growth and use of promoting products, services, and ideas. The advertising of the “Roaring 20s” caused great cultural, political, and economic change through advertisers changing the way people viewed their lives, new ideas being promoted throughout the country, and increasing consumer culture, thus fundamentally shifting the base of American society during this era of extreme change and innovation. One of the ways advertising changed American society was through advertisers changing and challenging society's views, norms, and behaviors. Through the obnoxious presence of …show more content…

For example, some women explored a more extravagant lifestyle by doing things that would’ve been seen as taboo just years before, like drinking, smoking, and having a short bob hairstyle. Advisors supported these new ideas by promoting certain brands to women specifically. This era of consumerism greatly changed American culture and still has a lasting impact on today's society. Through the rise of advertising in the 1920’s, not only were advertising agencies the only ones seeing its use in promotions, but also politicians started using it to their advantage to sway public opinion. Advertisements have become an important tool for politicians to shape their ideas in a way that would get many to agree with them. Politicians also used new technologies like the radio to promote their ideas all over the country and reach a wider audience. For example, during the Red Scare, politicians caused mass hysteria through the use of wide-spread emotional advertising. They would say things like “Communism will destroy America” and would show war breaking out. This was particularly impactful on society because many did not want to enter another

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