Final answer:
The 1920s were characterized by significant changes in American society. Technological advancements and economic growth led to a national consumer market and cultural shifts that emphasized individualism, material success, and modern values, all of which is depicted in the literature and films of the time.
Step-by-step explanation:
Impact of the 1920s on American Society
The settings described throughout the chapter indicate a period of profound social, economic, and political change in the United States during the 1920s. This decade witnessed a dramatic transformation as Americans embraced new cultural norms, the economy flourished with technological innovations and the production of consumer goods, and a shift from local to national markets altered the economic landscape. The popularity of jazz music, the emergence of the flapper as a symbol of women's emancipation, and a national consumer market all signified a move towards more modern ideas and values, challenging the previously held traditionalist perspectives. Cultural expressions, such as F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby, highlighted the era's materialism and the fleeting nature of wealth, emphasizing the cultural and societal preoccupations of the time.
The economic boom amplified the availability of goods and a consumer lifestyle while also showing the limitations of material wealth as the decade ended with the onset of the Great Depression. Literature and film from this era illustrated the conflicting forces of pursuing individual wealth and examining its moral implications. However, the overall cultural shifts and the accentuation of individualism and material success largely represented a move away from traditional values, setting a precedent for future generations.