Post-WWI American Society

 After World War I, Americans faced a brief postwar depression, followed by an economic boom in which the face of American society changed. Growth took place in industries providing consumer goods, and the auto industry was among the leaders in innovation and production. With the ease of transportation, neighborhoods were being constructed farther away from cities, and the use of streetcars and railroads began to decrease.

The national per capita income rose by thirty percent during the 1920’s, which led to an increase in buying power. Installment credit programs further increased the purchasing abilities of consumers.

Electricity was brought to the majority of households by the end of the decade, and along with new appliances, made household chores easier and less time consuming.

Extra time for leisure activities was spent on new activities such as motion picture shows. The arts changed as well, with authors revealing their disdain of the new American culture of excess. Musical changes included the spread of jazz and blues. Golf, boxing, football and baseball were among the favorite sporting events. Several new dances, such as the Charleston, became popular.

Sex was no longer a taboo subject and became a topic of much discussion. Hollywood made movies and magazines published articles liberating the sexual revolution.