During the 1920s, the United States experienced significant economic and cultural changes. One economic factor that dominated the era was the rise of consumerism. The 1920s saw an increase in mass production and advertising, which led to a surge in consumer spending. This was fueled by the availability of new consumer goods, such as cars, radios, and household appliances.
In terms of policies, the administrations of Harding, Coolidge, and Hoover contributed to these factors in different ways. Harding's administration promoted a return to normalcy after World War I, focusing on economic growth and reducing government intervention. Coolidge continued this approach, advocating for a laissez-faire economic policy that favored limited government regulation and supported business interests. Hoover, who served as Secretary of Commerce under both Harding and Coolidge, emphasized economic prosperity and promoted policies that encouraged business expansion and consumer spending. However, these policies also contributed to the economic inequalities and speculative excesses that eventually led to the stock market crash and the onset of the Great Depression in the 1930s.
Overall, the 1920s in the United States were marked by significant economic and cultural changes. The rise of consumerism and the emergence of a more liberal and rebellious culture defined the era. The policies of the Harding, Coolidge, and Hoover administrations contributed to these factors through their emphasis on economic growth, limited government intervention, and the promotion of business interests. However, the economic boom of the 1920s eventually led to the economic collapse of the Great Depression, highlighting the complexities and consequences of the era.