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Following World War I, America was altered in ways previously unseen. Specifically, America's first real step into international issues played a large role in altering the society during the 1920's. The war spurred changes in the economy, America's international interactions, and also effected the general culture of American society.

Andrew Melon, Secretary of the Treasury, played a large role in the development of the economy during the Roarin' Twenties. He entered office with the task of managing the debt of World War I and so developed a plan to do so. Interestingly enough, his plan to reduce debt also including reduce income taxes. Melon supported a progressive income tax rate system but also believed in lowering the highest income tax from 77% to a much lower 24%. This was based on the idea that people would much more willingly pay their taxes if they were a more reasonable price. Between 1921 and 1930 Melon was able to lower public debt from 26$ billion to a much more manageable 16$ billion. Melon's plan, which was a direct result of the war, shaped the income taxes of society and decreased their debt.

The economy also experienced changes in the public sector. Advertising became more aggressive, changing America into a mass consumption machine. This change can somewhat be attributed to the reduction of income taxes, allowing Americans to make more purchases. Another, new industry was born during the Roarin' Twenties, sports. Schools began creating their own sports team and the public became much more interested in them. This new found interest is a result of the return of soldiers following the war.

America also began to create policies aimed at foreigners during the 20's. For the first time ever, immigration into America became limited. The Emergency Quota Act of 1921 was the first of America's anti-immigration legislation. It essentially limited the number of immigrants from a given country to 3% of the number of that country had in America in 1910. Immigration was further lowered a few years later to 2% with the Immigration Act of 1924. Japan was completely banned from immigrating to the US.These acts were all a direct result of the isolationism that many Americans longed for. They felt they had no need for more immigrants.

Further effects of the WWI can be seen in the general culture during the 20's. Motion pictures had become popular during the war, being used mostly as propaganda against the Germans. Interest in motion pictures further progressed from there and grew to encompass many different subjects. The success of planes in the war lead to them being used commercially for transportation of mail and people. Women became less dependent on men and developed their own identity. This new breed of "flappers" redefined the role of women and their new independence is a direct result of many men being away at war.

World War I had far reaching effects, spreading from changes in the economy, to immigration regulation, to independence of women. The Roarin' Twenties were a time of change in the American society as a direct result of American's part in the World War.

Works Cited

"Andrew Mellon." //Spartacus Educational//. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Mar. 2012. .

Rosenberg, Â Jennifer. "Flappers in the Roaring Twenties." //20th Century History//. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Mar. 2012. .

"U.S. Immigration Legislation: 1921 Emergency Quota Law." //Campus Library Homepage//. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Mar. 2012. .