Chapter 23

      The Chapter 23 of the book related to prosperity decade of the 1920’s gave me a deep understanding about an era which saw considerable economic development. The reading of chapter shows that the period began with the effects of limited post war recession but the mass development of consumer products, flourishing advertising, and innovative expansion and development of new technology especially in the field of electrical appliances and automobile industry led to a considerable change in America. I was amazed to learn about how the new assembly line techniques played a significant role in raising per capita industrial output. I was not aware that how through corporate consolidation and the creation of trade associations can enable cooperation in matters like that of pricing, standardizing, and division of markets.

            The chapter also made me understand that capitalists of the time realized about the advantages of increasing purchasing power of workers which in my view was a good move by the capitalists as it promises productive and efficient levels of work which workers provide in return. Before reading of the chapter I was not very much aware about how the idea of consumerism can be best generated. The reading of the chapter made it clear for me that how in 1920’s the mass distribution of goods, buying on installments, and advertising through the mediums of radio and mass circulation magazines generated the interest of consumers leading to increased development and production.

            While reading the chapter I found it quite strange that during 1920’s the field of agriculture failed to see much progress. It must be difficult for farmers whose wartime prosperity resulted in hard times where European agriculture revived and high tariffs in America led to decline in the export of agricultural goods. The era where there was increase in both production and productivity levels, it is really unfortunate for those who were involved with the field of agriculture.

            A very interesting and notable thing which I discovered through reading of the chapter is that 1920’s was a revolutionary era for the women. Many women received education and managed to enter the work place despite facing the wage discrimination and male domination, they worked outside of their homes. I learned how the reformers through women suffrage looked for the right of women to vote. I find it very encouraging for women as they finally got rid of the general notions associated with them and received more chances of grooming themselves in every way to become more contributive members of the era of economic development.

            Learning about politics of times is also a very interesting thing for me as the chapter reflects on how voters were inspired by the decade’s business orientation where they preferred those candidates who represented traditional values. From corrupt Harding administration to  government of Coolidge, and the pursuance of own national interest by US through the policy of independent nationalism are the realities which in my view left a major impact in shaping the future polices of America.