Roaring Twenties and how they led to the Great Depression

             The "Roaring Twenties" represent a positive era in American history sandwiched between two difficult times, World War I and the Great Depression. The "Roaring Twenties" was a period classified by innovation, prosperity, reform, and a thriving economy in America. An explosion of new inventions and technological breakthroughs transformed popular lifestyles. Shorter workweeks and increased wages led to a revolution in communications, transportation and recreation. For the first time in United States history, free time and leisure activities were becoming part of everyday lives.
             After the signing of the Treaty of Versailles, which officially ended the Great War, the attitude of the American people toward the rest of the world became one of indifference. The American people wanted to distance themselves from Europe and its problems. There was also an atmosphere of reform that was beginning to surround the country (Sullivan, 301). One such reform that had dramatic affects on the western world, was the addition of the 18th amendment to the Constitution. Also, know as the Prohibition Act, the 18th amendment took effect on January 16, 1920 and outlawed the sale or consumption of liquor in the United States. Another reform was the 19th amendment. This gave all women the right to vote, and thus made women equal to men (Garraty, 98).
             The unemployment rate was down, the economy was booming, and everyone was cashing in on his or her newly found wealth. The nation's total income rose from $74.3 billion in 1923 to $89 billion in 1929 (Magill, 98). The twenties were a glorious time in which everyone was out to have fun and get rich quick. The public was caught up in the stock market speculation and was risking their life savings to earn a living. The free spirited age of the "Roaring Twenties" was in full swing in America and people were enjoying it (Sullivan, 290).
             The "Roaring Twenties" ushered in...

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Roaring Twenties and how they led to the Great Depression . (1969, December 31). In MegaEssays.com. Retrieved 00:39, March 19, 2024, from https://www.megaessays.com/viewpaper/70621.html