1900-1930 America

Early 1900's

The early 1900s were marked by rapid industrialization and urbanization. The U.S. economy saw significant growth as cities expanded and new technologies and industries like steel, oil, and railroads became dominant forces. This period also witnessed the Progressive Era, a time of social and political reform aimed at addressing the negative effects of industrialization. Reformers like Theodore Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson sought to improve labor conditions, regulate business practices, and promote social justice. The early 20th century also saw a large influx of immigrants from Europe, fueling the country’s growing labor force and adding to its cultural diversity. During World War I, the U.S. entered the conflict in 1917, and while the country was not heavily involved in the fighting, the war helped boost the economy and cement America’s position as a global power.

1920's

The 1920s, often referred to as the "Roaring Twenties," was a decade of significant economic prosperity and cultural change. The stock market boomed, consumer culture expanded, and technological innovations, such as the automobile, revolutionized daily life. The decade was also a time of cultural flourishing, particularly with the Harlem Renaissance, a movement that celebrated African American culture through music, literature, and art. However, this period was also marked by Prohibition, the nationwide ban on alcohol, which led to the rise of speakeasies and organized crime. Women's suffrage reached a major milestone in 1920 with the passage of the 19th Amendment, granting women the right to vote, a significant victory for the women's rights movement.

1930's

The Great Depression of the 1930s, triggered by the stock market crash of 1929, was a period of widespread economic hardship. Unemployment soared, banks failed, and millions of Americans faced poverty and homelessness. In response, President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal introduced a series of government programs designed to provide relief, promote recovery, and reform the economy. These programs included the establishment of Social Security, unemployment benefits, and public works projects like the Works Progress Administration (WPA). At the same time, the Dust Bowl, a devastating drought and series of dust storms in the Midwest, displaced thousands of farmers, further exacerbating the nation’s economic difficulties.