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The Great War America is a latecomer to the 'Great War,' as World War One is known. Europe has already been engaged in industrial war for four years before America is finally dragged in, under the pressure of German submarine attacks. Industry immediately begins producing war equipment, though American troops shipping off to European battlegrounds lack tanks and artillery. In any case, the war is over within 18 months. |
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The Troops Come Home Americans are spared the worst of the battlefield atrocities in Europe, and generally arrive back home without the massive trauma experienced by soldiers of the other great powers. Advertisers are quick to ride the patriotic groundswell by displaying uniforms wherever they can. | |||||||||
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Ready for the Jazz Age The first commercial radio broadcasts are just beginning to appear as America resumes its frenetic pace of change. Urban areas are now bustling, energized by the widespread use of electric lighting to wake up night life. As a side effect, Americans now have a greater need for crisp, yet relaxed evening attire. | |||||||||
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Better Color A new 4-color process for printing color images is beginning to replace older color lithography techniques. Four separate printing steps as still required, but the introduction of a screening process, together with semi-transparent inks, allows a continuous blend of colors. The screening breaks up each of the four color-separated images into tiny dots, which allows smooth and continuous gradations between colors. The result is a cleaner, more attractive image. | |||||||||
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Hobbies and Careers The radio craze is just beginning, and amateur enthusiasts are encouraged to participate by building their own radios, from kits. Meanwhile, women are increasingly searching for any means to escape being trapped in the home. Few careers are yet open to women, but this doesn't stop them from looking for opportunities. | |||||||||
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Just for Kids There is also a flood of new material aimed squarely at kids, for the first time. Publishers are advertising a broad range of book series designed to awaken the desires and dreams of both boys and girls. Each of the groupings shown above is offered as a series, similar to the one displayed fully at left. | |||||||||