The boom of the 1920s had mixed results for the United States.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2022). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. [1] (a) The Republicans believed in import tariffs.
2. [1] (a) Republican policies were protectionist.
3. [1] (a) Their policies made imports more expensive.
4. [1] (a) Protection made American products more attractive to consumers.
5. [1] (a) This helped US industry to grow.
6. [1] (a) The Fordney-McCumber tariff made imported food expensive.
7. [1] (a) The tariff reduced foreign competition.
8. [1] (a) The Fordney-McCumber tariff was introduced in 1922.
9. [1] (b) Traditional fabrics such as cotton and wool became less popular.
10. [1] (b) Cheaper alternatives were being made.
11. [1] (b) New synthetic materials were more fashionable.
12. [1] (b) New fabrics were lighter to wear and easier to wash.
13. [1] (b) The latest fashions used less fabric so demand for cloth went down.
14. [5] (b) There was less demand for traditional textiles such as cotton and woollen cloth. This was because new synthetic textiles, such as rayon and artificial silk, were more popular with consumers.
15. [1] (c) Women found it easier to get jobs.
16. [1] (c) Women had more money to spend.
17. [1] (c) Women could afford new entertainments, such as going to the cinema.
18. [1] (c) Some women learned to drive.
19. [1] (c) Women had a freer life.
20. [1] (c) Women made changes to their appearance with make-up, hairstyles and clothes.
21. [1] (c) Housework was made easier by the new labour-saving devices such as washing machines.
22. [1] (c) Women were paid less than men in the same jobs.
23. [1] (c) Female textile operatives were paid poor wages.
24. [1] (c) Women in rural areas often did not benefit from the boom.
25. [5] (c) Many women were able to get jobs and earn their own income for the first time. Linked with the increased use of labour-saving devices, such as washing machines and vacuum cleaners, women were able to become freer and independent. Some even learned to drive and bought cars.
26. [5] (c) Women who worked in older industries such as textiles often earned exceptionally low wages. For instance, female textile operatives in the cotton mills were paid as little as $9 a week when the minimum required for a basic standard of living was $48. Those who lived in rural areas did not see great changes and farming did not share in the boom. This meant women in rural areas were less likely to have new household appliances and faced financial difficulties in the 1920s.
27. [10] (c) Explanation of both sides (Level 4, 7-9 marks) with evaluation of 'how far' (Level 5, 10 marks).