'How far is it to say that the 1920s was a Golden Age of development in the USA?' Having entered the First World War late in 1917, the United States of America began the 1920s as arguably one of the most powerful countries in the world. As a result of the crippling damage done to countries such as France, Belgium, Germany, Russia and the United Kingdom, it was the USA who took advantage and reaped the rewards during this period. However, defining a ‘Golden Age’ is complex. In this essay, I will argue that while the 1920s showcased significant economic growth and cultural shifts, it also revealed deep social inequalities and foreign policy contradictions, suggesting that the era was a Golden Age for some but not for all. Many define a Golden Age as ‘a period in which a country is at the peak of its powers’, and in the 1920s, there is no doubt that this period was one of the best in America’s history. One example of this was the economy, which experienced a huge boom as many factors contributed towards its progress. For example, The Revenue Acts of 1921, 1924, and 1926, combined with the laissez-faire (relaxed) policies of the Presidents Warren G. Harding and Calvin Coolidge, cut taxes on businesses, encouraging large amounts of investment and helping to drastically expand the economy. Also, corporations such as the Ford Motor Company, owned by Henry Ford, first began to utilise mass production, with the use of the assembly line making vehicles, such as the Ford Model T, more affordable and leading to a boom in industry. This was coupled with a rise in consumerism, with Americans spending more than before, allowing for a big increase in small businesses and what we tend to call luxuries, such as refridgerators, washing machines, etc. The US stock exchange also faced massive growth due to easier access to credit, which allowed people to invest more and improve confidence in the stock market. Furthermore, with the economy at a high, wages increased and unemployment fell, allowing the average American to have a higher disposable income, which meant they could enjoy life more and reinvest into the economy, with many choosing to go to theatres or sports events, creating the birth of Hollywood and pop culture we see today. As a result, the economy continued to boom, with morale at an all-time high. However, not everything was as amazing as it seems, with many not feeling the effects of this change. Farmers, industrial workers and ethnic minorities did not experience the same things as most of their industries stagnated, leading to unequal wealth distribution and the exacerbation of the class system. Furthermore, the overreliance on credit led to the Wall Street Crash in 1929, negating any effects of this economic boom. In terms of the economy, it is indeed fair to say that the 1920s was a Golden Age of development up until 1929. In terms of social and cultural changes in society, the 1920s was a complicated period due to many issues that people faced. To kick off this period, women were given the vote in 1920, with the 19th Amendment being passed. Also, this was a time where flappers began to emerge, with women dressing more freely and exotically, although this was more limited to the upper classes. There was also a huge rise in the Jazz/Blues scene, with many famous African American artists such as Louis Armstrong becoming key figures, as Black culture began to emerge from Harlem, New York. Hollywood and entertainment also took a hold of society, as silent films, radio and sports became more popular as a result of the increase in disposable income and the economic boom, with stars such as Babe Ruth and Charlie Chaplain all becoming celebrities in their own right. Sadly though, these were the only real strides taken in American for positive social change. Organised crime became rife in America, with leaders such as Al Capone taking hold as Prohibition began to be enforced with the Volstead Act in 1919, leading to bootlegging and speakeasies linked to the running of illegal alcohol throughout the country. Racism and segregation were still prevalent as the Jim Crow laws were maintained by the Republican Presidents of the time, as well as the resurgence of the KKK, reaching over 5 million members by 1925. Restrictions on immigration were also put in place, with the National Origin Act of 1924 restricting immigration from Southern and Eastern Europe, while also banning Asian immigration completely. Overall, while some changes did occur throughout this period, there are not enough to say that the 1920s was a Golden Age of social change. Having been a fairly Isolationist country pre-WW1, America had a drastic change in its foreign policy and diplomacy, beginning to involve itself in affairs worldwide. For example, the USA implemented the Dawes Plan (1924). Having been bankrupted by reparations and losing the war, Germany were lent $200 million to prevent the collapse of its economy and to ease the burden of reparations. They aimed to stabilise Europe with also positioning itself as the main player in international finance and relations. This was furthered with the Kellogg-Briand Pact in 1928, which was signed by around 60 nations, denouncing war as a solution to disputes, highlighting America’s goal to be (policemen of the World). However, isolationism still crept into this period, with the USA refusing to join the League of Nations, an alliance they helped to set up, weakening its role in global diplomacy and hurting its ties with other nations. The USA also had a high self-interest in its own economy, placing large tariffs on imports and exports, straining its relations with Europe and its trade partners. The US also began to intervene in Latin America, with countries such as Mexico, the Dominican Republic and Nicaragua having its affairs interfered with, contradicting America’s original stance. Ultimately, while the USA experienced significant economic and cultural growth, the 1920s can be seen as a ‘Golden Age’ for certain groups, it also exposed the stark realities of social inequality and racial discrimination that continued, complicating the narrative of universal success. However, deep-rooted social and racial inequalities were still prevalent in society, with tensions not being addressed, showing that progress was not universal, and in some aspects even went backwards (e.g. the KKK and Jim Crow laws). In terms of its foreign policy, the USA engaged heavily economically but appeared detached and isolated diplomatically, limiting its global impact and outreach. Overall, the 1920s was indeed a truly transformative but flawed period. To sum it up, a Golden Age for some groups but not for all.