Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE) Social Science Practice Test

Which of the following were characteristic of the 1920s?

1. Voting rights for women

2. Consumerism and easy credit

3. Prohibition and bootlegging

4. Union growth

The correct answer is: Union growth

The characteristics of the 1920s more prominently align with consumerism and easy credit, which played a significant role in shaping American society during this period. Following World War I, the United States experienced a surge in economic prosperity, leading to increased consumer spending and a culture that celebrated material wealth. Innovations in manufacturing and marketing, along with the introduction of installment plans, made it easier for the average American to purchase goods they previously might have found unaffordable. This led to the rise of consumer culture, where household items such as radios, cars, and appliances became symbols of status and modern living. While voting rights for women gained traction during the 1920s with the ratification of the 19th Amendment in 1920, its primary influence was more about social and political change rather than a defining characteristic of the era itself. Prohibition and bootlegging certainly marked the decade, creating a significant underground economy and social strife; however, the expansive consumerism that characterized this period reshaped American culture in ways that would have lasting effects. Union growth also occurred, but the 1920s were more notable for a decline in union membership and activity due to the economic boom and a shift in labor dynamics. Thus, the