In the decade after World War I, Presidents Harding and Coolidge encouraged business growth. The economy grew rapidly as factories churned out new consumer goods, and stock prices soared. American society also changed dramatically. Inexpensive cars and a wide variety of new products for the home became available for the first time. Manners became freer. Young people danced to a wild, new music called jazz.

Not all Americans shared in the good times of the boom years. Even for those Americans who seemed fortunate, trouble loomed ahead.

Additional Activities

• "Why Study History?" Activity: Have students use the Internet to explore the early history of movies. (See Teacher's Edition, page 685.)
  
  
• Check out the Student Internet Activities, which focus on the musical style of jazz and the World Series.
  
  

Section 1: Politics and Prosperity

Section 2: New Ways of Life

Section 3: The Jazz Age

Section 4: Trouble Below the Surface