Final answer:
The growth of the U.S. automobile industry in the 1920s transformed American society by expanding related industries like oil and steel, leading to increased consumer mobility and significant economic development, as well as the evolution of suburban living and the overall American lifestyle.
Step-by-step explanation:
The growth of the U.S. automobile industry in the 1920s had several significant effects on American society and the economy. This era saw the rise of related industries, such as glass, steel, rubber processing, and particularly the oil industry in states like California, Oklahoma, and Texas as the country shifted from coal to petroleum. The expansion of the industry stimulated mass production and increased consumer mobility significantly.
In economic terms, the burgeoning auto industry contributed to a higher Gross National Product (GNP per Capita) and a buoyant stock market. The demand for automobiles spearheaded growth in infrastructure, with a dramatic expansion in public roadways, facilitating the emergence of new patterns in shopping and living. This led to the advent of automobile suburbs and an array of new services catering to millions of Americans.
The social fabric of America also evolved with the boom in the auto industry. It influenced the migration from rural areas to urban centers, changed lifestyles, and supported the rise of new recreational activities. In essence, the automobile industry shaped the economic landscape of the 1920s, supported by various other industries and consumer goods markets, driving American prosperity and urbanization forward.