1. The Age of Radio, Mass Media, and Going to the Movies
What new technologies were created during the 1920s and 1930s.
How did technological advancements change the lives of Americans?

2. Ford’s assembly line soon spread to many other businesses
Ford’s assembly line soon spread to many other businesses. Mass production was used to manufacture many different products.

3. In 1901 Guglielmo Marconi sent the first radio message across the Atlantic. At first he only wanted to use his invention for ships, but in 1916 his employees suggested he could make money by selling radios for entertainment. Marconi's company rejected this idea.

4. Frank Conrad saw radio’s potential and began broadcasting from Pittsburgh. At the same time Radio Corporation of America (RCA) had been founded to compete with Marconi’s company and began making radios for home use. In 1921 they broadcasted a championship boxing match live and radio sales soared.

5. People were tuning in to more and more news programs
People were tuning in to more and more news programs. They also listened to comedies, dramas, and music programs. Once radio sales slowed, the radio turned to commercials. Companies wanted to advertise their products so radio companies sold them air time.

6. The radio joined newspapers as a form of mass media
The radio joined newspapers as a form of mass media. Families would gather around their radios and listen to their favorite shows. They joined millions of other Americans doing the same thing.

7. People across America were buying the same products that were advertised on the radio. Songs instantly became popular across the nation. Through the power of mass media American culture began to take shape.

8. The movie industry also began to grow during this time
The movie industry also began to grow during this time. In the early 1900’s movies were an inexpensive form of entertainment. People went to theaters called nickelodeons where they paid a nickel to watch a movie.

9. Early movies were short and silent
Early movies were short and silent. Popular subjects were recreations of news events and well-known stories.

10. Like radio, movies encouraged culture
Like radio, movies encouraged culture. People copied hairstyles and clothing of their favorite stars. New technology allowed silent movies to include sound. These new movies were called “talkies”.