Compare and contrast the boom of the 1920s with the bust of the 1930s.

The 1920s saw growing economic prosperity in American society. During this time, the stock market was doing incredibly well. Banks were giving out a significant amount of loans due to the success of the stock market. Families were buying material goods through installment purchases (putting a little money down and having a monthly payment afterwards). Overall, it seemed that the American economy would continue to grow. However, after the Stock Market Crash of 1929 this all changed.

The 1930's were extremely depressing. Millions of individuals lost money due to the stock market collapse. Banks were forced to close because they ran out of money. Families could no longer afford their monthly installment payments, causing them to sell these items or become bankrupt. The 1920's and 1930's were two polar opposite time periods in American history.