Heimler’s History: Unit 7 - The 1920s Innovations in Technology

Introduction

• Focus on Unit 7 of the AP U.S. History curriculum.
• This lecture discusses innovations in technology during the 1920s.
• Objective: Explain the causes and effects of innovations in communication and technology over time.

Henry Ford and the Assembly Line

• Henry Ford: Key figure in automobile manufacturing.
  • Mass-produced Model T.
  • Introduced the assembly line in 1913.
• Assembly Line Method:
  • Use of a conveyor belt to move parts from worker to worker.
  • Each worker specialized in a specific, repetitive task.
  • Made manufacturing more efficient, reducing costs.
  • Replaced skilled workers with unskilled labor.

Scientific Management

• Principles of Frederick Taylor's scientific management applied.
  • Timed tasks to improve efficiency.
  • Influenced the development of assembly line work.

Impact of Automobiles

• Affordable cars met insatiable demand.
• By the decade’s end, Americans owned 80% of the world's automobiles.
• Societal Changes:
  • Increased individual mobility led to suburbanization.
  • Cities like Los Angeles and Houston adapted urban design to accommodate cars.

Mass Production and Consumer Goods

• Shift in economy to mass-produced consumer goods: toasters, radios, health/beauty products.
• Rise in American standard of living in the 1920s fueled consumerism.

Advertising Industry Growth

• Influenced by Sigmund Freud's studies on psychology.
• Shifted from product features to tapping into consumer psychology.

Popular Culture and Communication Technologies

• Radio:
  • Initially rare, became common in homes by the decade’s end.
  • Corporations like Westinghouse capitalized on mass audience potential.
  • Offered news and entertainment, e.g., "Amos n’ Andy Show."
• Cinema:
  • By late 1920s, 75% of Americans attended weekly.
  • "The Jazz Singer": First movie with synchronized sound, ended silent film era.

Cultural Homogenization and Differences

• New media spread a homogenized national culture.
  • Emphasized regional and racial cultural differences.
  • Limited depiction of African-American experiences.
  • Highlighted rural vs. urban lifestyle contrasts.
• Consequences: Catalyst for the Harlem Renaissance (to be covered later).

Conclusion

• Emphasis on achieving good grades and exam success.
• Reference to further Unit 7 resources.