What World Was Like 100 Years Ago Compared To Now

The Eiffel Tower was the tallest structure on Earth.

The Eiffel Tower is one of, if not THE most recognizable structure on the planet. From 1889 – 1930, it was also the tallest on the planet!

Teenagers didn’t exist

It wasn’t until the 40’s that people ages 13-19 were known as ‘teenagers.’

The Great War had only just ended.

The world was still in the early stages of recovering from The Great War. It wasn’t until 1939 that it would then be known as “World War One.”

The NFL was not even a year old

Founded on August 20th, 1920, the NFL was still in it’s infancy 100 years ago.

People were still going wild over The Wizard of Oz

In 1921, L Frank Baum’s 13th book in the Oz series in 1919, The Magic of Oz, was still new and popular.

What does that even mean? Well, in 1919 the Great Molasses Flood saw 2 million gallons of molasses flood the streets of Boston. According to residents of the North End, the air stayed ‘sweet for decades after.’

Getting around was a bit different

Not everyone had a car of their own in 1921. In fact, people still used horse-drawn carriages to get around. Electric street-cars were also widely used in major cities.

Food was cheaper

On average, bread cost 10 cents, butter cost 68 cents, and eggs went for 63 cents. The average middle-class family, however, only earned around $1500 a year.

The most popular car was…

The Ford Model-T. One study showed that approximately half of the cars in the States in the early 20s were Ford Model-T’s.

Alcohol was illegal

Prohibition was in effect from 1919-1933.

Minimum wage didn’t exist

It wasn’t until 1938 that minimum wage became a thing… for 25 cents an hour.

Radio was still huge

While moving pictures were wildly popular, radio was still the main source of entertainment for families.

Jazz was brand new

With the early 20s came an influx of jazz, blues, and swing music. Believe it or not, it was seen as rebel music at the time.

Hats were huge

Hats were an essential part of the fashion wardrobe for both men and women.

Gas Stations were still new

Because not everyone had a car, gas stations weren’t particularly popular just yet. Before gas stations started to crop up all over the place, people would buy gas from cans at the blacksmith shop or pharmacy.

There was no official national anthem

“The Star-Spangled Banner” didn’t become the official national anthem until 1931.