Depth studies · Both
The USA in the 1920s – Boom & Problems
The 1920s USA is often called the Boom. For many there was prosperity and new leisure – but not for all, and serious tensions remained.
Causes of the boom
• Mass production (e.g. motor industry)
• New consumer goods and hire purchase
• Confidence and rising share prices
• Resources and wartime industrial advantage
Problems beneath the surface
• Farmers often struggled with low prices
• Unequal wealth distribution
• Racism and segregation; immigration restrictions
• Prohibition and organised crime
• Over-speculation helping set up the 1929 Crash
Practice questions
1. Give two reasons for the 1920s boom.
2. Who did not fully share in the boom?