Final answer:
The growth of American consumer society in the early 1900s was driven by new household inventions, the expansion of advertising, population growth due to immigration, and increased availability of consumer products facilitated by mass production and advancements in credit.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the early 1900s, American society evolved into a consumer society due to several factors. The advent of new inventions for household use such as washing machines, vacuum cleaners, and refrigerators made daily life more convenient and fostered the desire for these new commodities. Mass production techniques also meant that goods were more abundant and affordable. Moreover, the use of advertising expanded significantly, reaching consumers through modern marketing methods in newspapers, on trading cards, and later through commercial radio, which fueled the desire for material goods across all social classes.
Population growth due to immigration resulted in more potential consumers and a larger workforce for factories. This shift was compounded by the increased availability of consumer products as industries such as automotive and home appliances flourished. Items once considered luxuries became necessities in the eyes of consumers, propelled in part by the democratization of desire cultivated through advertising. Additionally, advancement in credit systems, including installment plans and the introduction of credit cards, made it easier for Americans to buy now and pay later, further driving consumption.
The one aspect that did not contribute to the growth of a consumer culture at the close of the nineteenth century was the lack of foreign-made consumer products in the market, as this was not a significant factor in the emergence of the consumer society during that period.