The economy was stable with continuous employment and wages increasing so that workers had money to buy consumer goods
The industrial areas of the north and west in particular prospered
As did workers in the newer industries
More women went out to work too
And life for some women became freer and women were more independent
Americans also had the confidence to buy things on credit
Mail order catalogues made goods available across the country
Domestic products like vacuum cleaners, electric irons and washing machines became more widely available making household chores easier and saving people time; and fridges helped enhance the quality of life as well
Radios and record players became widely available; telephones too – life at home was more fun if noisier!
Flushing toilets became widely available too
New technology brought new, cheaper materials such as rayon
Ready to wear clothes became widely available
Transport improved and became more affordable, especially cars, giving more freedom to move around
The leisure industry, sport and the entertainment industry all took off too: the cinema, record sales, baseball, boxing
For those who could afford it, shares in companies were bought and sold often on the margin which gave income in the form of dividends