Agricultural Problems
  The great prosperity of the 1920's  did not reach everyone. For farmers, the 20's were hard times. During World War I,  farmers were encouraged by the federal government  to buy more land and to modernize farming methods with the latest in to technology. They also encouraged farmers to drastically increase  their production ("Main Causes of the Great Depression").  During the war, farm prices had sky-rocketed, as there was an increased demand in Europe for farm products . Once the war ended, however, the government was quick to end its policies of aiding farmers ("Main Causes of.."). By the early 20's,  farm prices fell drastically. The price of wheat, for example, sank from $2.26 a bushel during the war to less than a $1 a bushel in 1922 (Davidson 545). Farmers also lost money due to the huge surpluses that were created when the demand for goods overseas declined (596).  As farm prices fell, farm costs rose. To try to cover costs, farmers planted more crops, which only led to larger surpluses and bigger debts as a result of the purchasing of seeds and machinery (596).   Like most American families, farm families wanted to buy the new modern appliances and a car, but their expenses rose much faster than the prices they received for their products. (576). As it grew increasingly more expensive to run a farm, and as a result, many Americans abandoned their farms and went to work in industrial jobs. Between 1919 and 1924, 13 million acres were abandoned and left to brush (Leuchtenburg 101).
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   The stock market was booming during the 1920's, and for many, it was a way to "get rich quick!"  There were a group of people who dominated the stock market.  They could single handedly raise the stock prices up and then sell them off making a huge profit.  Among them were Jesse Livermore, William Durant, and Charles Mitchell.  They were all millionaires, who made their money using the stock market.  Mitchell was one of the first people to think to mass market stocks and bonds to the common person.  He had the largest distribution of securities in the world.  Their lifestyle was that of the rich and famous.  They owned three or four houses, owned railroad cars, etc.  Jesse Livermore was so important that street lights would be set so that he could pass without ever being stopped for a red light.  With these type of people making millions, it made the common people believe that they too, could become a millionaire over night.  People began investing in different stocks using margin plans, which meant that they would only pay 10 percent of what the stock cost.  They would pay the money back when they made their "killing" on the market.  People did not only speculate with stocks, but also land.  In Florida, there was a huge land boom, but it stopped with a hurricane in 1926 (Davidson 377-8; The Crash of 1929) .

New Business Methods
   The Twenties were very prosperous for two thirds of the people in America.  During this time, there was an increase in Americans making quick profits by buying and selling corporate shares.  There was a steady increase in the number of shares traded during the twenties.  In 1923, there were 236 million, and by 1928, there were over one billion.  Brokers began to sell stocks on margins, which meant the investor only had to pay ten percent of the price of the stock, and then pay them back when the stock rose.  Banks began putting money into stocks, as well as giving out many loans.  People were buying everything on credit, which meant they had to pay a monthly installment of so much to own a certain item, but they received this item immediately.  Chain stores began rising in popularity, and rising incomes brought an increase in consumer activity.  Buying on installments meant the common person could afford to own cars, radios, etc. (Pietrusza 15-17).
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