Write a 300- to 400-word post that answers the question, In what ways did the culture of consumerism become more sophisticated and deepen in the United States after World War I?
Write a 500 word paragraph that describes and summarizes consumerism and related events during the 1920s. Your paragraph should include each of the following:
In 100-200 words, define consumerism or consumer culture.
Referring to The American Yawp and the lecture PowerPoint, describe in 300 to 400 words the ways consumer culture developed during the 1920s and, before that, World World War I. Be sure to Identify and describe two specific developments in American consumer culture during this time.
Include a brief quotation and corresponding MLA-style parenthetical citation that includes "Locke and Wright" (the last names of the editors of the book) and the inclusive page number(s). For instance, if you're reading the online version of the textbook without page numbers, your citation should look like this: (Locke and Wright). If you're reading the PDF version with page numbers your citation should look like this (Locke and Wright 429) or (Locke and Wright 429-430).
Full Answer Section
World War I: A Catalyst for Change
World War I, despite its devastation, laid the groundwork for the consumer boom of the 1920s. The war effort necessitated mass production techniques to meet the needs of the military, and these same production lines were easily adapted to produce consumer goods for the civilian population after the war. Additionally, the war introduced many women to factory work, giving them a newfound economic independence and creating a larger demographic with disposable income to spend.
The Roaring Twenties: A Consumer Paradise
The 1920s, also known as the "Roaring Twenties," witnessed a flourishing of consumer culture in the United States. The post-war economic boom, coupled with rising wages and easy credit, fueled a spending spree. Two specific developments stand out during this period:
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The Rise of Advertising: Advertising emerged as a powerful tool to shape consumer desires. New advertising techniques, like celebrity endorsements and emotional appeals, were employed to convince consumers that they needed the latest products to be happy and successful. (Locke and Wright, 430)
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The Growth of the Retail Industry: Department stores thrived during the 1920s, offering a wide variety of goods under one roof. Shopping became a popular leisure activity, and new credit options like installment plans allowed consumers to purchase expensive items without having to pay the full price upfront.
A New Era of Consumption
The 1920s marked a turning point in American consumer culture. With the rise of advertising and mass production, consumption became not just about acquiring necessities but also about expressing identity and social status. This trend of consumerism would continue to shape American society in the decades to come.