The 1920s and the Spread of the Automobile
Uploaded by spootyhead on Apr 18, 2007
The 1920s and the Spread of the Automobile
Although automobiles were developed before the 1920s, this is when the automobiles created a revolution in US life. Almost every American during the nineteen twenties thought driving a car was exciting, and they eagerly listened to the radio to see if any new speeds were broken for that day. This paper will be about how the automobile changed America, and about advertising.
First, it changed the economy. They opened up new companies to meet the growing demand for vehicles. Since the Assembly line was perfected by and used by Ford and others. This made cars affordable to many American families. Also families didn’t need to pay with cash they could use consumer credit and installment payments. In 1924, Walter Percy Chrysler founded Chrysler Corp. It made an Imperial 80, which was considered the fastest car, and had 112-horse power. They also produced the Royal sedan, which sold for $1,535. Other companies that opened up in the 1920s and are still around today are Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Dodge, Lincoln, and the Olds-mobile. Some that opened up in the 1920s but aren’t around today are Nash, Stanley, and the Packard. The Nash was famous for innovative features such as twin ignition systems. The Stanley was famous for the Steamer that was powered by steam, and it cost $2,000. The Packard was a luxury car with a V-12 engine, and its Boatel speedster cost $5,210 in 1929. The most popular car was the Model A Ford was introduced in 1927. Ford advertised it so greatly that it made almost everyone want one. Henry Ford was going to show the model of the car at a Hotel lobby, but the enormous public interest made him move it to Madison Square Garden. The police were even called out to control the crowds. First, it was only made in black, but then it was made in Florentine cream, violet, Arabian sand, and Niagara blue. The invention of cars also produced more crimes since the criminals could now drive away from the scene.
The automobile also changed family life, leisure time, and cities forever. Now people weren’t restricted to shopping in neighborhood stores, or attending the nearest church, or living close to their jobs. This made new communities spring up called suburbs. Also made people move across the country. People also changed...