Introduction
According to (John, 2003), after the First World War, America underwent several changes that were mainly aimed at recovering what had been lost in war. Americans who had kept neutrality before engaging themselves in war were not pleased with the outcome of war and decided to keep peace once more. Among the various changes underwent by America during their recovery period in the 1920s were changes in culture, economy as well as in the workforce.
Changes That Took Place in America after the First World War
The changes that took place in America after the First World War began with the election of a new president. At that time, Wilson was not in a position to run for presidency because, he had stroke. The main presidential candidates were Warren Harding and James Cox. Most Americans had been fed up with war which made them out rule Cox for presidency because; he was Supporter of the former president. Harding was therefore Americas preferred candidate since he argued that, America should focus on issues that were directed at developing the economy and not solving problems beyond its borders. There were also changes that took place in the American economy such as removing restrictions in the manufacturing companies. Therefore, the government seized to control industrial production, shipping as well as operations of railways. This improved American economy through allowing most industries that were previously involved in supplying ammunitions to produce other products. Better roads were constructed so as to allow transportation of products to the markets. Demands made by American drivers were more than they were before the First World War which led to construction of more and better roads (John, 2003).
According to (Robson, 2007), the workforce of America underwent great improvements due to advancement in technology which led to innovation. Most Americans acquired the new technology which was mostly applied in the manufacturing of automobiles. As a result, affordable cars were made which created more employment to American people due to high levels of specialization involved in the assembly of cars. More businesses were also opened alongside the new roads that had been constructed to cater for the large numbers of car. The new businesses called for more people to work, thereby increasing the country’s workforce. The press also benefited from the new technology as more radio stations were opened leading to demand for more workers.
Culture which was portrayed in the lifestyles of Americans after the First World War underwent some changes. These changes resulted from economic as well as technological changes. The manufacture of affordable cars allowed more people to own cars which made more families shift from towns to live in the farms. Also, traveling for leisure was made easier, as families used their car which was not the case before, to explore and visit several parts of the country. Improvements in economy and workforce allowed Americans to enjoy a better life which was characterized by more luxuries (Robson, 2007).
Conclusion
Although they had won the battle against Germans, Americans had a lot to learn from damages caused by the First World War. Their fellow Americans had lost their lives in war as they tried to solve problems that were beyond its borders. Therefore the changes that took place in America were directed to making it a better country which was led by Harding, their new president. Those changes were noticed in several areas among them being culture, economy and workforce (Robson, 2007).
References
- John A. (2003): Reformers and War: Cambridge University Press pp. 45-50
- Robson S. (2007): The First World War: Pearson Longman pp. 34-36