1920-1930
The Automobile, and other forms
of Transportation
By: Elias Borne
Origins of the Automobile
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There was controversy over who actually invented the
automobile.
Many say Henry Ford did in 1908, but there were many
predecessors to his production of the first commercial car.
1805: Oliver Evans makes first attempt at making a car, his
attempt fails miserably because of rough surfaces on roads.
1805-1908: Other inventors make successful cars, only for the
cars to be rejected by the public.
1908: Henry Ford produces the Model T, the first widely
spread engine powered car.
Automobile 1908-1920
• 1908: William Durant founds chief
competitor of Ford, General Motors (GM)
• Cars were considered “toys for the rich”
because of their high prices ($4000-$6000)
• 1913- All black car policy adopted
• Assembly-line style car making began
Ford vs. GM
Ford
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Started in 1908 by Henry Ford
Produced the Model T, most
popular car in the U.S. for much
of the 1920’s ↓
Model A, produced in 1928 sold
400,000 units in the first two
weeks
GM
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Started in 1908 by William
Durant but underwent
tumultuous times until 1915
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Started the idea of making
different types of cars to attract
different buyers
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Made expensive sports cars
such as the Cadillac Sport
Phaeton
Other Cars of the Time
Foreign Cars
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Almost all of these cars were
amazingly expensive with prices
from $15,000-$50,000
Had great size and elegance
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French Hispano Zuiza
6-40 Runabout
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A luxury car of its time, the 6-40
provided ample room for the
people, but almost none for the
baggage, a simple but important
flaw in judgment
Automobiles Affect People
• The production of cars had mainly benefits to the
people of the U.S. during the 1920’s
• Many new industries and jobs were needed to
produce- engines, tires, high quality steel, oil,
advertisements etc.
• Because of that, it gave many citizens jobs
• Easier transportation caused people to move to the
suburbs
• Created different system of shopping focusing on
the idea of shopping malls instead of small stores
Other Transportation Methods
Automobiles were not the only way
transportation changed in the 1920’s.
Others forms included:
•Airplanes
•Airships
•Ocean Liners
•Trains
•Buses
•Air-Trains
Air Travel
• During the 1920’s airplanes were established enough
to transport people and freight
• Because of the dangers from flying at night, the airtrain service (plane by day, train by night) became
popular
• Financers decided in 1928 that
the air industry could profit them
• Airships were used in the 20’s
and all the way until 1937 with the Hindenburg
incident
Ground/Oceanic Travel
Water
Ground
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The bus industry took off during
this time, with buses taking
people from small cities and
connecting those towns
Trains, no longer needing to
carry specified items, instead
carry bulk goods (lumber, coal)
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Oceanic liners were popular for
taking passengers across
continents, even with the
invention of planes
Thank You
Have a nice day
With great regards: Elias