Final answer:
The 1920s saw improved American standards of living due to mass production of automobiles, advancements in entertainment, growth of a consumer culture with credit purchases, and increased household electrification and appliances.
Step-by-step explanation:
The developments of the 1920s that contributed to an improvement in the American standard of living were manifold, reflecting a time of significant economic growth and social change. Here are four key developments:
- Mass production, particularly of the automobile, which facilitated increased mobility and engendered new industries, making cars more affordable and changing transportation paradigms.
- Advancements in technology and entertainment, such as radio and movies, which became central to leisure and significantly enhanced the quality of life.
- The growth of advertising and a consumer culture, supported by buying on credit, enabling more Americans to acquire goods and services that were previously considered luxuries.
- The electrification of homes and proliferation of consumer appliances, which improved everyday life with conveniences like stoves, washing machines, and refrigerators.
The 1920s also experienced a significant increase in Gross National Product (GNP) and a transformation in many Americans' lifestyles from a culture of modesty to one of consumption and material wealth. These four developments collectively led to the easing of life's burdens through technology and increased consumer goods, promoting a more consumerist but higher standard of living.