GCSE HISTORY - 1920s - 1973 America

What is an economic boom?

An economic boom is a period of rapid economic growth and prosperity within a country.

Why did the USA experience an economic boom in the 1920s?

The USA experienced an economic boom in the 1920s due to

• new industries and technologies

• mass production

• advertising and consumer culture

• hire-purchase schemes

• Republican policies

• confidence in the economy.

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When did the USA enter the First World War?

The USA entered the First World War in 1917.

Why was the USA less affected by the First World War than European countries?

The USA was less affected by the First World War than European countries because there was no fighting on US soil, meaning its industry and infrastructure were not destroyed.

What did the USA also give to Allied countries during the war?

The USA also gave loans to Allied countries during the war.

What happened to the loans to Europe at the end of the conflict?

At the end of the conflict, the USA began to recall the loans to Europe, which increased their wealth.

Why did European countries need goods from the USA?

European countries needed goods to rebuild their infrastructure, so the USA began selling goods to these overseas markets.

How much had the UK borrowed from the USA during WW1?

The UK had borrowed $4.368 billion from the USA.

What is mass production?

Mass production is a way of making lots of products quickly.

Which industry was one of the key industries to use mass production?

The car industry was one of the key industries to use mass production.

What did Henry Ford develop in 1913?

In 1913, Henry Ford developed the concept of the moving assembly line with the Ford Model T car.

How did the car move through the factory?

The car moved through the factory on a conveyor belt.

What did each worker and machine focus on?

Each worker and machine only focused on one task in the car's production.

Why was the Model T standardised?

The Model T was standardised to reduce costs.

How did other industries adopting the assembly line help US citizens?

Other industries adopted the assembly line, which made other goods cheaper for US citizens to buy.

Why did the car industry cause the growth of other industries?

The car industry caused the growth of other industries because steel, rubber, glass, leather and oil manufacturers supplied parts to the car industry.

How many cars were there in the USA by 1929?

By 1929, there were 23 million cars in the USA

How did mass production affect US citizens' choice of products?

Mass production meant that US citizens had a vast choice of products.

Where could consumers purchase these products?

Consumers could purchase these products from chain-stores and mail-order companies.