Nineteen Twenties

1920 a colorful age, an age where women can have a toke and feel

rebellious. Its is an age where architecture flipped its lens and took a whole

new design. An age where cars, the period revolutionized its meaning and its

industry. A whole new age in art had evolved, the Roaring Twenties.

The “ jazz age” some might call it, was a period of great opportunity

and success. Even with great potential this particular age gave birth to debt.

Consumerism plays a big role in this country. The country that can not get

enough. The plethora of people that owe money or are in debt of today’s world,

was influenced by the 20’s.

Automobiles played a big role in the consumerism back in 1920. It

was actually because of the automobile, “The American economy's phenomenal

growth rate.. ” (Cliffs Notes) was risen. More cars equal more people. More

people, more demand is needed. The year between1920 to 1929, the number of

cars on the street had tripled. With the help of Ford’s concept of mass

production, the demand is meet. Therefore more parts: mirrors, bumpers, more

plastic, metal, rubber, etc. this results to copious amounts of people purchasing

cars with loans and credit. Which can lead to high amounts of interest resulting

a high chance of debt.

Adverting is also another department that took a hit in the time. The

techniques used in posters and tabloids influenced many consumers in buying

products. This was the start of graphic designers. They were expert sales men

of the time. They have created trends and demand had escalated. Demand of

supply had been shifting. Therefore different designs for posters, signs,

billboards are being produced, “ Supply exceeded demand. Dynamic design

therefore became an essential means of persuading customers to buy a

particular product.” ( Duncan 150). 1920 took design in to a new perspective in

consumerism.

The states had benefited much from the 20’s, but also had suffered.

From 1920-21 the country suffered from a quick recession right after world war 1.

Gradually the economy had suffered causing many to be in debt. Prices where

being dropped tremendously, “..Model T that sold for $850 in 1908 sold for $290

in 1924.” (Cliffs Notes). This took a big hit in the economy, causing workers to

lose their jobs.

This time period had its glory moments where women started to

express rebellion, automobiles became identities, produced various jobs. With

the development in technology and the high demand, consumerism took a toll in

the economy. The color decade produced a credit system that caused debt. With

the illusion of confusing want from need, this results to more supply, more

demand, more loans, more debt, The Roaring Twenties.

Bibliography

1. Duncan, Alastair. Art Deco. New York: Thames and Hudson

2. CliffsNotes.com. A New Society: Economic & Social Change. 16 Mar 2012
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3. Morrison McClinton, Katharine. Art Deco A Guide For Collectors. New York: Clarkson N. Potter, inc.