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Year 11 - History

Causes of the 'boom'

America 1920–1973, Opportunity and inequality

Unit Summary

In this unit pupils undergo a period study that provides an unfolding narrative which tells a story about a period that shaped the world we live in today. They look at the key events, developments, people and stories that defined the chosen period.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to explain why there was an economic boom in the 1920s.

Key Notes

  • The USA experienced an economic boom in the 1920s.
  • Mass production, government policies and the effects of WWI helped make businesses more profitable.
  • Demand for consumer goods like cars and radios increased.
  • Advertising and hire purchase schemes helped create a consumer society.
  • The boom was accelerated by a cycle of prosperity which benefitted both businesses and consumers.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • GDP: GDP refers to the total value of goods and services produced by a country in a year
  • shares: some companies sell shares in order to raise money; people who own shares in a company receive part of the company's profits
  • laissez-faire: laissez-faire beliefs suggest that the government should not interfere with the economy
  • tariff: a tariff is a government tax on imports into a country
  • consumer goods: goods which people use for their own benefit, such as cars or clothes, are known as consumer goods

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Students assume that only businesses benefitted from the boom.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Summarise this historical learning in two key ideas.

The USA experienced an economic boom in the 1920s. Mass production, government policies and the effects of WWI helped make businesses more profitable.

2. Define this history term and explain why it matters in this topic. 'GDP'

GDP refers to the total value of goods and services produced by a country in a year.

3. Correct this common history misconception using evidence language.

Mistake: Students assume that only businesses benefitted from the boom. Correction: Consumers benefitted from the boom through increased employment, rising wages, and the ease of buying goods which improved standards of life.

More Lessons In This Unit

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