WelcomeBaltimore Polytechnic Institute

February 9, 2011U.S. History

Mr. Green

The students summarize the impact of the automobile and other consumer goods on the lifestyle of Americans by explaining the ways the country’s prosperity was superficial

Announcement: Chapter 12 Test FridayHand-In: Chapter 12 VocabularyDrill: Examine the political cartoon on page 444 and

answer the following:1. Who represents big business in the cartoon?2. What details suggest that the federal government

is less powerful than big business? Motivation: What products help you save time as a

student? What products encourage you to waste time?

Agenda/Topics To Be Covered

America’s Standard of Living SoarsCoolidge, “The chief business of America is business”Keep taxes down and profits upAmericans owned 40% of the world’s wealth between 1920-29The Impact of the AutomobilePaved roads, garages/carports/smaller yards, gas stations,

repair shops, public garages, motels, tourist camps. Shopping centers

Urban sprawl Production cities grewA sense of independenceThe Young Airplane IndustryStarted carrying mail for U.S. government Began small, 10 passengers

The Business of America Ch. 12 Section 3 pgs. 441-445

Electrical ConveniencesAlternating current brought electricity to the

suburbsActivity: Review the prices in 1928 on page 443

What has changed, or not changed with respect to prices? Consider inflation when you respond.

New electric appliances made life easierironsrefrigeratorscooking rangestoasters

Lifestyle appeared conformist

Advertisers began using pyschology to develop their ads

“Say it with flowers”“Reach for a Lucky instead of a sweet”“Even your best friend won’t tell you”A Superficial ProsperityMany Americans felt prosperity would continue foreverProducing Great Quantities of GoodsMany mergers during the 20’sChain stores developedIron/railroad industries not prosperous in 20’sFarmers lost money

Dawn of Modern Advertising

“A dollar down and a dollar forever”Installment plan

buy goods over an extended period of timeActivity:Read the quote on page 445 in the purple

box.Questions: Explain 3 possible consequences

for the action described in the quote.

Buying many goods on credit

Explain how the country’s prosperity was superficial, or not really occurring as much as people thought. Be sure to include easy credit and installment plans.

Independent Work

1. Prepare for Chapter 12 assessment.

Exit Ticket/Homework