The technology for radio communications advanced during World War I, but it wasn't until the 1920s that commercial broadcasting grew and everyone wanted a radio for their home. Radio had a huge impact on creating a "mass media" that bound together the nation. As students explore this collection, they will look for evidence proving that radio changed America in four different areas:

-Politics

-Entertainment and Sports

-Religion

-Advertising

Possible assignments using this collection include:

1) Writing an essay evaluating the statement "Radio created a mass culture in America."

2) Researching a particular figure in radio's early history and sharing findings with classmates.

3) Creating a 1920s radio program that featured key people and trends from the decade. This could be recorded and shared in the form of a podcast.

4) Developing a chart comparing and contrasting the impact of radio with television or the internet.