The economy also benefited from loosely regulated governmental policies such as protective tariffs and the easing of antitrust pressures that led to a more laissez-faire economic system. More important, however, were the emergence of new industries and the expansion of existing ones within the United States. For example, as the automobile industry grew, it also spurred the growth of secondary industries. Gas was needed to fuel cars, and a highway system had to be developed as people now had more freedom of movement. With this freedom of movement people could now do what they wanted when they wanted. The problem of being bound to a small town was solved with the production of the automobile. This simple transportation made everyday life easier and gave people more time to do what they wanted. With these new industries, the standard of living for many Americans was raised to a higher level. .
The growth in the economy went hand in hand with the technological advances of the twenties that made life less constrained and more enjoyable. Because of the economic boom, the average person had more money, and in turn bought more goods. Middle-class families bought new appliances such as electric refrigerators, washing machines, and vacuum cleaners. The modern assembly line, which Henry Ford first introduced shortly before the war, was vital not only to the automotive industry but to many others. This mass production created more jobs and resulted in an increase in wages that fueled the need for more goods. Another technological breakthrough was marked by the first public broadcast on November 2, 1920 by KDKA in Pittsburgh. This new means of communication, the radio, soon became standard in every home. It was live, direct, and connected the country in a way that was never possible before. People finally made enough money to be able to spend it on things they could take pleasure from.