Although many Americans viewed the 1920s as a time of liberation and success, many others viewed the new "consumer society" as repugnant, undesirable, and hypocritical, because almost half of the country's population has been left behind. The ten years between 1919 and 1929 took Europeans and Americans on a social and economic roller coaster journey. The 1920s were marked by sustained prosperity, numerous technological advances, artistic innovations, and a vibrant culture, earning the era its most popular nickname: the Roaring Twenties. After a brief but sharp recession following World War I from 1920 to 1921, the United States experienced an economic crisis. boom. As soldiers returned home to their loved ones, people began to abandon their cautious attitude caused by the uncertainties of war and develop a more joyful and peaceful way of life. Throughout the war, the country supplied Europe and other countries with manufactured goods and agricultural products, making the United States a wealthy trader and source of investment dollars for other countries . As a result, the United States was the strongest economy in the world. Companies have moved from supplying military needs to producing commercial products. This change created a higher standard of living, a larger middle class, and new opportunities for most people. Wages were increased by major industrial leaders. Consumer credit was greatly expanded, and new installment plans allowed families to spend their money up front. With a thriving economy and employment at an all-time high, more and more people began spending their money on entertainment, household products, and luxury items such as automobiles. The automobile was the most important consumer product of the 1920s and became the symbol of the new America....... middle of paper...... otwear through the ages. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. November 30, 2013, 1:36 http://www.encyclopedia.com.4. Scott, Robert. “The 1920s in History.” The 1920s. NP, 2005. Web. November 22, 2013, 5:15 p.m. http://www.1920-30.com.5. “19th Amendment adopted. » 2013. The History Channel website. November 22, 2013, 4:44 p.m. http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/19th-amendment-adopted.6. “History of the IGCSE.” Dhahran British High School. Np, and Web. December 1, 2013, 11:31 a.m. http://www.dhahranbritish.com/history/A9_HenryFord.htm.7. “Radio in the 1920s.” American Studies at the University of Virginia. Np, and Web. November 30, 2013, 3:20 p.m. http://xroads.virginia.edu/~ug00/3on1/radioshow/1920radio.htm.8. “The Roaring Twenties: The Effects of the Automobile on American Life.” Yahoo Contributor Network. Np, and Web. November 29, 2013, 5:54 http://voices.yahoo.com/the-roaring-1920s-effects-automobile-on-128540.html.