Why did some industries and agriculture benefit and some did not?

?
  • Created by: Lucyy
  • Created on: 12-11-12 19:23
So, how was the boom of the 1920's created?
By the development and growth of (then) new industries. Most importantly, cars, electrical goods and chemicals.
1 of 17
And how exactly did this help ordinary people?
An increase in national wealth meant the average person had more to spend on items that were previously unaffordable.
2 of 17
How would a 1920's American know that industry was increasing?
Skyscrapers and roads were rapidly being constructed everywhere.
3 of 17
What was the main industry then?
The automobile industry of course, this symbolises the boom more than any other.
4 of 17
But how could so many people suddenly afford cars?
The price dropped so rapidly in the 1920's that ordinary people could afford them.
5 of 17
And Ford motor company was the 'driver' behind the success of the car?
It was only founded in 1903, but by 1908 Ford had developed the 'Model T' a car aimed at the masses and not just the elite.
6 of 17
But how else did Ford fuel the economy?
By 1913 Ford's factories were using the assembly line. Huge numbers of cars could be created quickly and cheaply. This produced a revolution in industry- and not just the car industry.
7 of 17
So how successful was the 'Model T'?
Because of mass production, Ford could afford to cut the price so everyone could afford one. By 1924 the price had tumbled from $850 to $260- but the time it took to make a car fell from 12.5 hours to 1.5 !
8 of 17
How many were sold?
By 1927, 15 million had been purchased.
9 of 17
Not everything was booming though... Which industries failed to benefit?
It was the more traditional industries. Textiles, coal mining, ship building.... These had less scope for expansion and either slowed down or declined.
10 of 17
And was there competition between industries?
Well, North-Eastern textile industries faced competition from the South where labour was cheaper and they had artificial fibres.
11 of 17
So why was coal declining?
Well, electricity and oil pushed down demand for coal and some mines closed down.
12 of 17
And how did 1920's farmers suffer?
They were used to high profits for their produce from the war. However, prices were falling and farmers were left with over production.
13 of 17
What did the farmers earn?
In a poor state like South Carolina, only a third of the average wage of other workers.
14 of 17
But how did farmers survive?
Well, many borrowed money in the hope that prices would recover. They never did. Many farmers had to leave their land or give it to the banks.
15 of 17
So, the farmers weren't enjoying any benefits from the boom at all?
Well, less than 10% even had water or electric lights..
16 of 17
Did anyone else fail to benefit from the boom?
In the south, the situation was the worst. Agricultural workers- generally black people- were either paid starvation wages or employed as share croppers.
17 of 17

Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

And how exactly did this help ordinary people?

Back

An increase in national wealth meant the average person had more to spend on items that were previously unaffordable.

Card 3

Front

How would a 1920's American know that industry was increasing?

Back

Preview of the front of card 3

Card 4

Front

What was the main industry then?

Back

Preview of the front of card 4

Card 5

Front

But how could so many people suddenly afford cars?

Back

Preview of the front of card 5
View more cards

Comments

No comments have yet been made

Similar History resources:

See all History resources »