Which of the following factors most contributed to the rise of consumer culture in the United States during the 1920s?
A The widespread use of credit, including installment purchasing, which allowed more Americans to buy consumer goods like automobiles and household appliances.
B A decline in advertising and marketing strategies, which led to a decrease in consumer spending.
C The reduction in manufacturing output, which limited the availability of consumer goods and discouraged excessive buying
D The government’s regulation of prices and wages to ensure economic stability for consumers
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is A: The widespread use of credit, including installment purchasing, which allowed more Americans to buy consumer goods like automobiles and household appliances.
In the 1920s, the U.S. experienced a period of economic prosperity known as the “Roaring Twenties,” during which consumer culture began to thrive. One of the key factors driving this shift was the widespread use of credit, particularly through installment plans. Installment purchasing allowed Americans to buy expensive goods like automobiles, radios, and household appliances without having to pay the full price upfront. Instead, consumers could make small, regular payments over time. This made consumer goods more accessible to a broader segment of the population, helping to fuel the demand for these items.
As the economy grew, manufacturers produced more goods than ever before. Advertising also played a significant role in promoting consumer products, making people more aware of new technologies and innovations that could improve their daily lives. Major companies began to use mass marketing techniques to create desire and demand for products, further encouraging a shift in social attitudes towards material consumption.
The availability of consumer credit also helped expand the middle class, allowing people with moderate incomes to enjoy luxuries that were once reserved for the wealthy. This credit-driven consumerism contributed to the growth of industries like automobiles, appliances, and entertainment, all of which became essential to the American way of life in the 1920s.
Options B, C, and D are incorrect because they don’t align with the factors that most contributed to the rise of consumer culture. In fact, advertising and marketing strategies were more prevalent during this time, manufacturing output increased to meet demand, and the government did not significantly regulate consumer prices or wages in the way implied.