1920s: The Way We Lived

The technological advances of the beginning of the century continued to impact lives in the 1920s. Henry Ford (1863–1947) had improved his assembly-line techniques to produce a Model T every ten seconds by 1925. Automobiles were more affordable than ever: Some models sold for as little as $50. By the end of the decade, 23.1 million passenger cars crowded the streets of America. Telephones were in 13 percent of American homes by 1921, and American Telephone and Telegraph (AT&T) had become America's largest corporation by 1925.

New technologies continued to change the way people lived in America. People spent their extra money on luxuries like vacations. Families of almost every income level could enjoy some time away from work. Camping became popular, and cars could take people farther from home and pull recreational vehicles for more luxurious outdoor living. Those with enough money could fly to sunny locations like Florida to enjoy the winter months in warmth. For those who wanted a vacation at home, swimming pools could be installed in their own backyards.

Even though Prohibition officially banned the sale and distribution of alcohol, many people rebelled against the law and snuck into speakeasies (illegal bars) to drink and dance the Charleston to the new music of the time. Dancing was not limited to illegal nightclubs; respectable places like the Savoy Ballroom in Harlem (New York City) became increasingly popular during the decade as people sought out good music and large dance floors. Even teenagers could enjoy the music and dances of the decade at proms, which more and more high schools sponsored across the country.