Final answer:
The Gilded Age contributed to the consumerism of the 1920s through the establishment of big business, the growth of department stores, new advertising strategies, and the availability of credit, which allowed for mass consumption of new consumer goods and a cultural shift towards secularism and materialism.
Step-by-step explanation:
The economic characteristics of the Gilded Age that helped contribute towards consumerism in the 1920s include the rise of big business, industrial advancements, and the increase in credit as a means of purchasing goods. During the Gilded Age, a new consumer culture emerged, marked by the growth of large department stores and the ability to access a wide range of goods via mail order. This set the stage for the 1920s, where the proliferation of new technologies, mass production, and marketing strategies further fueled consumerism. The availability of credit made luxury items more accessible, while advertising and a shift towards a more secular society altered traditional views on spending and material wealth.
Homes became electrified, allowing for the widespread adoption of new consumer goods like refrigerators, washing machines, and radios. The automobile industry thrived as cars became affordable to the middle class, partly due to credit. The stock market boomed, reflecting economic prosperity and an emphasis on consumer spending.
The 1920s culture was characterized by a collective embrace of leisure activities, such as going to the movies and sports events, indicating a society increasingly oriented towards consumption and entertainment. As a result, there was a marked shift in societal values, favoring acquisition and consumption over traditional frugality and self-reliance.