Consumerism in the 1920s: Advertisements
Advertising as it is known today finds its roots in the industrial expansion of the 1880s. The mass production and the lowering of prices on consumer goods meant that more items were available to more people than ever before. The construction of the transcontinental railroads provided a national market for a company's goods.
Advertising a product changed from simply announcing the existence of a product in a dull, dry fashion to persuading the public they needed and deserved to own the product. By developing repeat customers, advertising also helped build brand loyalty for the company. Brand loyalty helps sell other existing and new products to these same customers.
Look at the advertisements and follow the photograph analysis technique provided in order to spur an interesting class discussion:
Advertisement #1:
Make 3 observations (What do you see?)
Make 2 Inferences (What do you think the message the company is trying to get across?)
Come up with one question (From the perspective of a citizen today, how can you devise a thought provoking question for a 1920s business?)
Advertisement #2:
Make 3 observations (What do you see?)
Make 2 Inferences (What do you think the message the company is trying to get across?)
Come up with one question (From the perspective of a citizen today, how can you devise a thought provoking question for a 1920s business?)
Halitosis – or chronic bad breath – is something that mints, mouthwash or a good brushing can’t solve. Unlike “morning breath” or a strong smell that lingers after a tuna sandwich, halitosis remains for an extended amount of time and may be a sign of something more serious.
Advertisement #3:
Make 3 observations (What do you see?)
Make 2 Inferences (What do you think the message the company is trying to get across?)
Come up with one question (From the perspective of a citizen today, how can you devise a thought provoking question for a 1920s business?)
