Prosperity and the Production of Popular Entertainment

ASU HST 200 (Historical Themes) The Jazz Age Redefining the Nation (1919-1929) Prosperity and the Production of Popular Entertainment Prosperity took various forms in the 1920s, chief among them the developments in entertainment and technology that spawned new leisure and consumer habits. Sports and movies gained popularity, while credit card purchases and "carrying" debt made cars more accessible to the general public and enabled for the selling of additional consumer items. In this new consumer economy, advertising emerged as a key institution, and commercial radio and publications elevated actors and athletes to the status of national heroes. The Jazz Age, which lasted from 1919 to 1929, was a pivotal time in American history that was defined by a shift in the country's cultural environment and unheard-of affluence. A number of events came together at this time to usher in a new era of consumerism and relaxation for the nation. The development of entertainment and technology played a major role in this shift, changing not just how individuals spent their free time but also how they behaved as consumers. The emergence of popular entertainment in the 1920s was one of the most prominent signs of affluence. Millions of Americans found themselves engrossed in sports and movies, which became the dominating forms of recreation. Sports like football, baseball, and boxing are very popular because of the nation's developing fixation with athletics and competitiveness. In the meantime, the developing film industry gave rise to legendary actors and nationally acclaimed films that enthralled viewers. But throughout this time, American leisure culture was not limited to sports and entertainment. The widespread use of cars and the introduction of consumer credit drastically changed how people lived and made purchases. A consumer-driven economy was fueled by the broad availability of credit, which enabled people to buy purchases beyond their immediate means. This accessibility helped to democratize car ownership and increase public accessibility to autos, especially in conjunction with the growth of credit card purchases and payment plans. Because they made travel easier and allowed individuals to experience new things, vehicles eventually came to represent prestige and independence. Furthermore, advertising's rise to prominence in the new consumer economy was a major factor in determining the tastes and actions of consumers. Advertisers promoted their products and shaped customer views by utilizing the power of mass media, which included magazines and commercial radio. Advertisers turned common goods into sought-after status and identity symbols by using shrewd marketing techniques and compelling storytelling. Athletes and actors in particular rose to prominence in marketing campaigns as a result of their endorsements, becoming cultural icons and national heroes. Thus, the creation of popular entertainment and affluence came together during the Jazz Age, changing the country's cultural environment and consumer behavior. During this time, society began to become more leisure-focused, with consumerism and entertainment having a bigger impact on how people defined their identities and interacted with one another. The 1920s were a time of unparalleled optimism and cultural vibrancy, despite the underlying social tensions and economic disparities. This decade laid the foundation for the contemporary consumer culture that would characterize a large portion of the twentieth century.