Before the Great Depression, in the 1920's and earlier, Americans became tremendously innovative and much more willing to take larger risks (Fig. A). As men became more willing to take these risks, women decided to stray from their historically customary place in the home. They started to fight not only for the right to vote, but their right to work amongst men and earn their own money (Fig. B). Before women were able to join the workforce, they often had to rely on men for most everything- including financial support.
Fig. A.- "There is no disgrace in honest failure; there is disgrace in fearing to fail"-Henry Ford, My Life and Works, 1922. Henry Ford was one of this time period's most innovative people. He went into uncharted territory to do things that nobody had ever done before. He knew that there was risk involved with his decisions, and he wasn't afraid to face that- he knew that failing can help him grow into a better person.
Fig. B.- "An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest"- Benjamin Franklin, The Way to Wealth, 1758. Benjamin Franklin was never interested in living a rich, spoiled life. Instead he wanted to become the most intelligent man he could be and cared much more about knowledge than he did money.
Fig. C.- Women fought tirelessly for their rights among men to vote, work, and hold places of authority. Before gaining the right to work, women had to rely on men for most everything, including financial support. Here, a woman wears a sash displaying "votes for women" proudly across her chest. (See "Gender Roles")
Fig. D.- The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin highlights the perfect example of the "self made man". Coming from a family with less fortunate means, Franklin made himself into an extremely wealthy, intelligent man. Franklin earned all of his own money, setting a precedent for those who came after him that no matter where one comes from, with hard work, one can transform to whoever they want to be.