The 1920s was a decade of massive change in the United States that saw the development of a common culture across much of the country. First of all, the country had recently taken part in the First World War, which saw the end of several European empires and the rise of American prominence. This event changed the way in which many Americans saw their identity. During the 1920s, Americans further developed this image.

The 1920s was the first decade in which more Americans found themselves living in cities than in the countryside. As more diverse populations came into closer contact with each other, cultural elements were shared and further developed.

A new culture of mass consumption was also sweeping the nation. This was the result of more wealth finding its way to a growing middle class. Americans with money to spend bought the same products as each other that were mass-produced in large factories. People were also buying things such as automobiles, which connected the nation even further as roads, service stations, and motels sprang up around the country.

Also, radios became extremely popular. This connected Americans from coast to coast as they heard the same news and entertainment as everyone else. Movie theaters became a popular form of entertainment and source of information as cinemas were built all around the United States and people were exposed to the same information and media as each other.