Advertising in the 1920s

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In 1926, Calvin Coolidge said to they American Association of Advertising that they are engaged in “the great work of regeneration and redemption of mankind. It is the most potent influence in adapting and changing the habits and modes of life, affecting what we eat, what we wear, and the work and play of a whole nation”. [1] Advertisements stressed the idea that anyone could live a more modern, freer life, filled with opportunities. In the 1920’s, a combination of the people’s positive attitude toward business and the stylish and new advertising used in the century marked a high point of advertising’s influence on America. In the 1920’s there were several social and cultural changes. Before the twenties, thrift and frugality were the true values and consumption with abandon was bad.[2] There was a huge rise in culture, leading to economic and social changes. The development of popular culture included the rise of literature, radio, music, dance, theater, sports and recreation, art, and motion pictures. In order for corporations to make money, they produced things related to the rising popular culture. [3] The rise of this new culture was due to an increase of cities, rise of a consumer society, and the change in morals and behavior.[4] During the twenties, more than half of the population lived in cities. New social classifications were created: laborers and managers, blue collar and white. [5] There was also a rise of leisure time, emergence of an urban middle class, technological advances, and an increase of wages. The twenties saw an increase of consumer spending. Many wages were spent on cars, radios, and household appliances. The economy was booming. Workers were making enough money to have some leisure spending and time, and industries were taking advantage of this by catering to these new audiences. [6] Americans threw out their old values
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