The Car Industry

What was the car industry in 1920s America?

The growth of the car industry in 1920s America offered the country more opportunities for economic growth, as well as accelerating great social change.

How many cars were produced in 1920s America?

By 1929 there were 26 million cars on the road in America, which had a massive impact on society at the time.

Why was Henry Ford important to mass production in the car industry?

Henry Ford was an American industrialist and owner of Ford Motor Company. He developed effective mass production techniques that made it quicker and cheaper to make cars.

What was the effect of the car industry on the 1920s economy in America?

Cheaper, mass-produced cars had a knock-on effect on other parts of the American economy.

• ❖ Sales of steel, rubber, glass and textiles increased, because they were needed to make the cars. 20% of US steel and 75% of US glass were used to make cars.
• ❖ More cars meant that more roads were built.
• ❖ More cars meant that oil sales increased, and there were more jobs for mechanics.
• ❖ Because people could travel, there were more hotels, roadside diners and petrol stations, all of which needed workers.
• ❖ People were able to drive to work, and so lived further away in the suburbs. This led to more demand for house-building.
• ❖ It became easier to travel to isolated rural areas, and they became better connected.