Automobiles and Motorcycles
Automobiles have come a long way from their early origins in France and Germany in the 1800s. Initially, these vehicles consisted of three wheels and no roof, and they could only hold a few passengers.
The automobile revolutionized how Americans worked, live, and travel. It allowed homemakers to leave the narrow confines of their homes, and it stimulated outdoor recreation and tourism industries.
In the 1920s, the automobile industry became the backbone of a new consumer goods-oriented society. At the same time, the automobile boosted sales of industrial products, such as steel and petroleum. With the rise of the automobile, American manufacturers were able to create an industry based on mass production techniques.
During this period, automobiles were made by hundreds of manufacturers, ranging from small family-run businesses to giant multinational corporations. By the mid-1920s, Ford, General Motors, and Chrysler had risen to dominate the auto market.
These companies were able to combine state-of-the-art design with a moderate price. They were able to sell cars for less than a living wage in the United States, and they were sold on a massive scale.
In the early 1900s, the automobile was still a novelty, and the number of active automobile manufacturers was relatively low. However, it began to become a reality when the government introduced subsidies for the purchase of motor vehicles.
Throughout the 1920s, the automobile helped to break down rural isolation. Better schools and medical care were brought to America’s rural areas.