Technological and Cultural Changes in the 1920s

Post-WWI America experienced a return to normalcy and an economic boom, leading to a cultural revolution in the 1920s. Technological advances created a consumer-based society, with labor-saving devices transforming women's roles. Leisure innovations like the phonograph and television became household staples, while mass media and communication technologies like the radio and telephone revolutionized information sharing. These inventions laid the groundwork for future technological developments, shaping modern American society.

What was one of the main reasons for the economic boom in America after World War I?

• Expansion of the American military

• Discovery of new natural resources

• Increased agricultural production

• Funding of European nations during the war

What societal change allowed women to maintain their positions while managing their households?

• Introduction of labor-saving devices

• Increased wages for women

• Shorter working hours

• Government subsidies for housework

Which invention gave women more freedom by providing a practical alternative to cleaning floors?

• Dishwasher

• Microwave

• Electric stove

• Vacuum cleaner

What was a significant impact of the phonograph in the 1920s?

• It was used primarily for educational purposes

• It replaced the radio as the main source of news

• It led to the decline of live music performances

• It made jazz music widely accessible

Which device became an iconic symbol of American downtime in the 1920s?

• Television

• Phonograph

• Radio

• Telephone

What was the first commercial broadcast of a commercial radio station about?

• The invention of the phonograph

• The launch of the first television

• The Jazz Revolution

• The Harding-Cox presidential election

Why did the radio become a popular device in American homes?

• It was cheaper than other devices

• It provided news and entertainment

• It was a new form of visual media

• It was used for cooking

What was a major concern with the widespread use of telephones?

• High cost of installation

• Lack of availability in rural areas

• Privacy issues

• Complexity of use

By 1924, how many telephones were in use by the entire Bell System?

• 10 million

• 15 million

• 5 million

• 20 million

What was a predicted societal benefit of the telephone?

• Improved public transportation

• Reduction in crime rates

• Furthering democracy and building communities

• Increased agricultural production