In 1918, warring nations made peace after four years of "The Great War," now referred to as World War I. The United States retreated somewhat from global politics. Instead, the country focused on its own economic and technological growth. The 1920s were a prosperous time for many Americans. The economy was booming, and many people made a lot of money. The decade is commonly known as the Roaring Twenties. People focused on having fun, and spending time at cinemas and jazz clubs. Consumerism was on the rise. For the first time, factories built new products like cars and telephones for a wide market. With newfound wealth, people were able to buy these luxury items. Though the economy was doing well, mostly managers and business owners profited. Workers were not always so lucky. The gap between the rich and the poor grew. Those who still could not afford fancy new consumer products bought on credit. They took out loans on the promise that they would pay back the money they borrowed. Many people also borrowed money to invest in the stock market. They bought shares of businesses in order to make a profit if the company had success. All this borrowing meant that people saved very little and spent money that they ultimately did not have. When the economy started to slow, this became a major issue.
Which of these is not associated with the Roaring Twenties?
A
a rise in consumerism and production
B
soldiers leaving to fight in The Great War
C
people spending money on music and movies
D
a growing division between the rich and the poor
