By the Numbers in 1920
World Population
1.9B
UK Life Expectancy
50.1 years
US Life Expectancy
51.3 years
Gold Price (per oz)
$20.69
Dow Jones Index
72
US National Debt
24.3B
Sovereign Nations
55
How Much Did Things Cost in 1920?
| Item | UK | US |
|---|---|---|
| Average house price | £300 | $4,000 |
| Average salary | £100 | $1,200 |
| Pint of milk | 2d | $0.07 |
| Loaf of bread | 4d | $0.12 |
| Dozen eggs | 1s 6d | $0.68 |
| Pint of beer | 4d | Prohibited |
Technology and Inventions in 1920
Radio was the transformative technology of the moment. KDKA in Pittsburgh became the first licensed commercial radio station. Automobiles were becoming more affordable thanks to Ford's assembly line methods. Telephones were spreading but still a luxury in most homes. Silent cinema was the dominant entertainment medium.
- ● KDKA Pittsburgh begins regular commercial radio broadcasting
- ● Tommy gun patented by John T. Thompson
- ● Band-Aid adhesive bandages invented by Johnson & Johnson
- ● First domestic refrigerators become commercially available
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