The Big Picture: American industries boomed in the 1920s, changing many Americans’ way of life.
  • President Harding promised a return to peace and prosperity.
  • Calvin Coolidge supported a pro business strategy
  • In 1928, Americans elected Herbert Hoover, hoping he would help good financial times continue.
The characteristics of the economic boom years:
  • the electrification of America;
  • the building of a massive road network;
  • the expansion of towns and the extension of suburbs;
  • the growth of the construction and chemical industries;
  • new mass production techniques;
  • increases in the number of chain stores and mail order businesses;
  • the development of hire purchase schemes and expansion of the stock market;
  • the spread of popular entertainment;
  • new consumer goods, often made out of new materials;
  • sophisticated advertising.