From the wake of the devastating World War I, the Jazz Age emerged in 1920 and led to vast changes especially those in political, social, and cultural categories. No longer was producerism the prime of economic life, but rather consumerism took over and pushed for big changes. In the following thirty years, until 1950, America went through some major events including the Great Depression, World War II, and the Marshall Plan. All of these events were what ultimately led to the changes in the American identity, as they influenced the American way of thinking and therefore her way of acting.
The first world war shocked the world, and led to many consequent changes. After the devastation, the American economy soared and consequently the nation …show more content…
The society became known as a “consumer society” where privatized consumption replaced the spirited citizenship that had characterized the previous century. Economic gain became the focus after the war, and once it became evident that consumption was the “prime mover of economic life” thrift and producerism was placed lower as the marketers began focusing on their clients spending more on their products. Politics were also influenced by this post war consumerism, as the “consumer movement” flourished, and the “distribution age” began as coined by Ralph Borsodi. In fact, it became common knowledge that the American citizen’s “first importance to his country [became] that of consumer” (Muncie Chamber of Commerce) as the consumerism led to the economic power that America craved. However, only 9 years after the rise of consumerism the stock market crashed leading to great economic depression.This depression led to an inability to find sufficient jobs to feed families. This unemployment spike was combated by the forced removal of immigrants, especially those of Mexican descent. The crash was so devastating after the economic high that the nation was on, leading to the …show more content…
Prior to this economic devastation, there was also debate over the bible or science having educational power. The famous Scopes trial taking place in 1925, best showcased these two dramatically opposite viewpoints. From the religious vigor of the bible belt to the scientific push of the other states, a just outcome was never met. American society could see both options as valid theories of creation. After the trial though, there were still friends among the two differing viewpoints proving America to be a true melting point yet a place of acceptance for its citizens. However, not all citizens were welcomed with open arms as showcased by the removal of Mexican citizens and the persecution of Japanese after WWII. Beginning in the curtails of the Great Depression, the rise of Hitler and his atrocities shocked the world. When Japan bombed Pearl Harbor, America entered the war and the fight against tyranny and inhumane actions. In the wake of this war, America had changed again.The nation decided to use some of their money to create the Marshall Plan and send aid to the recovering European nations. This plan though not completely useful
The first world war shocked the world, and led to many consequent changes. After the devastation, the American economy soared and consequently the nation …show more content…
The society became known as a “consumer society” where privatized consumption replaced the spirited citizenship that had characterized the previous century. Economic gain became the focus after the war, and once it became evident that consumption was the “prime mover of economic life” thrift and producerism was placed lower as the marketers began focusing on their clients spending more on their products. Politics were also influenced by this post war consumerism, as the “consumer movement” flourished, and the “distribution age” began as coined by Ralph Borsodi. In fact, it became common knowledge that the American citizen’s “first importance to his country [became] that of consumer” (Muncie Chamber of Commerce) as the consumerism led to the economic power that America craved. However, only 9 years after the rise of consumerism the stock market crashed leading to great economic depression.This depression led to an inability to find sufficient jobs to feed families. This unemployment spike was combated by the forced removal of immigrants, especially those of Mexican descent. The crash was so devastating after the economic high that the nation was on, leading to the …show more content…
Prior to this economic devastation, there was also debate over the bible or science having educational power. The famous Scopes trial taking place in 1925, best showcased these two dramatically opposite viewpoints. From the religious vigor of the bible belt to the scientific push of the other states, a just outcome was never met. American society could see both options as valid theories of creation. After the trial though, there were still friends among the two differing viewpoints proving America to be a true melting point yet a place of acceptance for its citizens. However, not all citizens were welcomed with open arms as showcased by the removal of Mexican citizens and the persecution of Japanese after WWII. Beginning in the curtails of the Great Depression, the rise of Hitler and his atrocities shocked the world. When Japan bombed Pearl Harbor, America entered the war and the fight against tyranny and inhumane actions. In the wake of this war, America had changed again.The nation decided to use some of their money to create the Marshall Plan and send aid to the recovering European nations. This plan though not completely useful