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Similarities Between The 1920s And The 1920's

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As America continues to grow, it goes through many dramatic changes, and downfalls, allowing it to develop. The 1920s and the 1930s are examples of such time periods that enabled America to mature as a nation. Many Americans perceived the 1920s as a time of economic and social prosperity, while they regarded the 1930s as a time of economic and societal disaster. Though the differences are striking, the two decades are closely connected and both have their positives and negatives.
For numerous Americans, the 1920s appeared to be a decade of welfare; it was a time of economic and social renewal. The traditional gender role for women was changing as a result of the work they did during the first world war. Their choice of profession was no …show more content…

Unlike most Americans who greatly prospered during the 20s, the lives of farmers became more miserable due to the consistent falling of the farm prices and increasing debt. Furthermore, the isolationist spirit after the War resulted in an increase in nativist groups such as the KKK, who oppressed Native Americans, Immigrants and minority groups. At an economic level, the late 1920s seemed growingly unstable. As a result of the stock market boom, investors gained large profit and supported overspeculation in the market (Document 5a). The drive for more profit caused Americans to blindly invest; they disregarded the company’s likelihood of success and even used borrowed money to partake in the risky gamble of stocks. Additionally, the government following a policy of laissez-faire under president Coolidge and later Hoover, led a hands-off approach in the economy. Coolidge, being a big supporter of businesses, who favored tax reductions, and Hoover’s belief of “rugged individualism” helped widen the increasing gap between the rich and poor. Big businesses continued to thrive from profit and reduced taxation while keeping payments for their workers at a minimum (Document 5b). Consequently, as a result of these economic issues combined with the staggering unemployment rates, The stock market crash of 1929 ended the era of prosperity and began a decade of

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