Final answer:
During the 1920s, rural farmers, African Americans, and immigrants did not share in the economic prosperity that others experienced in the United States, struggling with lower incomes, rising prices, and discrimination.
Step-by-step explanation:
During the 1920s, the United States witnessed significant economic growth and material prosperity for some segments of society. However, not all Americans enjoyed this economic prosperity. Rural farmers, many African Americans, and immigrants faced great difficulties. While industrial production and urbanization brought wealth to many, these groups contended with rising prices, stagnant wages, and discrimination.
Firstly, rural farmers struggled as agricultural prices plummeted due to overproduction and decreased demand after World War I. This made it difficult for them to pay off debts for lands and machinery, leading to foreclosures and bankruptcies. Secondly, African Americans faced systemic racism and economic challenges, experiencing higher rates of unemployment and displacement both as sharecroppers and in urban areas. Lastly, the surge of immigrants, often willing to accept poor working conditions due to language barriers and dire circumstances, also endured hardship and were mainly excluded from the labor movement and union support.
The consequent economic inequality of the 1920s was a major factor leading to the calamity of the Great Depression, as those who were already disadvantaged found themselves further marginalized when the nation's economy collapsed.