Key Question 2 – Hollie Martin
What were the roaring twenties?
The Roaring Twenties was a term used to define the 1920’s in America. The decade was a ‘boom’ time for many. Many incomes rose and standard of living improved. There was also a consumer boom. More people could now afford items such as radios, refrigerators, washing machines, vacuum cleaners and telephones. Also, hire purchase was introduced (buying in instalments). This was to make cars affordable to people who could only buy them on credit. This encouraged more spending on luxury goods. Women started getting fancy haircuts and the flappers were introduced. New music started becoming popular. Basically, the 1920s were a time of huge economic growth in the US. But it wasn’t good for everyone. Farmers, black people and coal miners suffered. Farmers because factories were making food and also they made too much food so no one bought their food. Black people because everyone was racist and wouldn’t give those jobs, and coal miners because everyone now had electricity, and didn’t need the coal.

How widespread was intolerance in US society?
Some groups in the 1920s suffered discrimination and persecution. One example of intolerance to black people was the Ku Klux Klan. They gained a lot of new popularity in the early 1920s, making them more able to prejudice against immigrants, Jewish people and Catholics. Another example is racist laws. Some laws forced white and African American people to use separate facilities like different schools, transport, parks, cafes and theatres. This is called segregation. I feel intolerance was a big part in US society.

Why was prohibition introduced, and then later repealed?
A lot of pressure for prohibition had built up over a long time. The reason why prohibition was enforced was because Drinking among the working classes caused death, loss of jobs, domestic violence, and other problems. It was originally prohibited to prevent drunkenness and even mental illnesses. But, instead of preventing the things everyone thought it would, it did exactly the