During the time known as the New Era, many new technologies were presented to American consumers, and the living standards of the average American became better. With the workweek reduced to 45 hours, and paid vacations becoming the norm, the American people now had more leisure time on their hand. More people finished high school, but only a small percentage went to college. Electrical generators provided 80 percent of the power used in industry, thanks to a second Industrial Revolution. By 1929, more than 66% of American homes had electricity, and production had increased dramatically. Seen as the symbol for the good life, automobiles freed teenagers from the watchful eyes of their parents. With the automotive boom, suburbs were created and people began living miles away from work. Gas stations, diners, and motels became common landmarks in American life. Farming was improved with the advent of the tractor. One room schools disappeared due to buses carrying children into town. For the first time in American history, more than half of the American population lived in areas of more than 2,500 people. The metropolis saw a huge growth as well. In 1900, there were only 52 metropolitan areas of 100,000 people or more. By 1930, there were 115. The creation of movies, created the celebrity, an important facet of American culture even today.
             Although this was considered an age of prosperity, many still embraced old ways. Many Americans were afraid that the ways of life familiar for them were threatened by the technology and discoveries in science, along with criticism of the Bible. While most educated people saw Darwin's Theory of Evolution as sound, Many evangelical protestants saw the Bible as a literal truth. In some states, teaching the theory of evolution became against the law. Secularism, liberal theology, and the Social Gospel were rejected, along with the belief that reform on Earth could lead to perfection. The Fundamental...