Clean Slate The new century looks nothing like the musty old 1800s, which are constrained by carefully controlled social grace, despite all the Victorian flourishes. Clothing styles are now relaxed and playful, while amusements abound. In the world of advertising, this new zesty age is unofficially launched by Coca-Cola.

	Autos Everywhere The two big advancements which trigger all the others are the gasoline engine, and the development of electric motors small enough to be useful in appliances. Two million cars are sold in 1920 alone. Half are Model T Fords.
	Prohibition and Guns Prohibition begins in 1920. It's intended to cleanse America of the scourge of alcohol, but instead ushers in a period of law-evasion and gangsterism. The big shootouts will come later, but homeowners are already being offered firearms for personal protection. Meanwhile, the big craze in America is simply 'motoring.'
	Cleansers and Victrolas In an era of increasing personal freedom, advertisers are eager to showcase products that make everyday life easier and more enjoyable. This may be as simple as a home cleanser, or as life-changing as a parlor Victrola. Along the way, sporting activities of all kind are a recurring image in advertisements. Cigarettes figure prominently in this breezy new lifestyle.
	For the Housewife Life is also changing profoundly at home, where women are forced to spend almost all their time. Suddenly, appliances with electric motors are turning mindless drudgery into simple tasks. Washing machines bring the greatest relief, as the motor does all the work. But vacuum cleaners are a close second, allowing housewives to move easily from room to room, and making carpet maintenance almost easy. Some home-owners can even afford to install 'inter-phones,' which reduce the need to climb stairs.
	More of Everything Motorcycles are another route to personal freedom. Bicycles are common everywhere, but motorcycles open up whole new vistas. Advertisers are also showcasing rail travel as the means to arrive at distant vacation locations. At the same time, businessmen are now offered specialized training to help them to rise to the top. It's all about mobility.