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Fashion underwent many major changes during the 20th century in the U.S. Clothing companies started to focus on teenagers as fashion consumers. Jeans gained popularity among teenagers during the 1950s. Different musical styles also influenced youth fashion during the 1960s. Many fashion changes were caused by advances in science and technology, which affected everyday living in general.

The start of the 20th century in the U.S. saw many developments in fashion. Changes were made to underwear for women. Department stores employed women salesclerks to attract more female customers. Changes in fashion were also caused by several significant events in history, including World War I and the Great Depression in 1929.

During the mid-1800s in the U.S., changes were made to women's clothing which allowed for more comfort and freer movement. Shirtwaist styles became popular among girls and working women. Differences were noted in the clothing worn by gentlemen and laborers. Growing interest in sports affected men's leisure clothes. Demand for ready-to-wear clothes also increased.

The Civil War in the U.S. from 1861 to 1865 had a big impact on clothing and fabric supplies, especially in the South. Prices for all consumer goods increased. Production at cotton mills were halted, which forced families to use spinning wheels and looms to create homespun fabric and clothing. Native American clothing proved to more practical than the outfits of white settlers. The development of the sewing machine improved the production of clothing during the era.

There were significant changes in fashion during the 1800s in the United States. Some changes in men's fashion were influenced by Englishman George Brummel. Personal cleanliness was given more importance. Women consulted the magazine 'Godey's Lady's Book' for fashion ideas. Different social events throughout the day required women to change their costumes accordingly. Certain fashion standards were also observed during periods of mourning.

Fashion in colonial United States during the 1700s was dominated by European styles. The elaborate costumes worn by women and women reflected their status in the society. Use of accessories, such as fans and handkerchiefs, became fashionable. Various types of cloth were created through the use of machinery, which led to the growth of the cotton industry.

An individual's status in the society greatly influenced his clothing in colonial United States during the 1600s. Affluent landowners from England retained their aristocratic customs, including clothing habits. Fashion was dictated by clothing worn in Europe, including the use of wigs by men. Personal hygiene was given less importance by colonists as in modern times.

Developments in medicine in the 20th century have improved the health of the people in the U.S. Better food storage, the discovery of vitamins, and improved sanitation made the children healthier and stronger. Public officials also promoted hygiene during the era. Despite these efforts epidemics caused thousands of deaths in the U.S. until the discovery of the penicillin by 1928 and the polio vaccine in 1954.

Many medical discoveries and developments during the 1800s helped improved the practice of medicine. Standards of medical education were improved which were pushed by the American Medical Association. The period also marked the acceptance of women in medical schools led by first female physician Elizabeth Blackwell. The discovery of anesthesia resulted to advancements in medicine. Medical calamities were inevitable due to polluted environment and the Civil War.

Revolution of the practice of medicine in the U.S. occurred in the 19th century. Antiseptics were used in treating and preventing bacterial infections. The American Medical Association called for reforms to upgrade medical schools. Laws on licensing doctors became important and, thus, were created. Closure of women's medical schools led to the establishment of nurse training programs. Stricter regulations by medical schools improved the haphazard system of training physicians.

Various systems of medical treatments were used in the U.S. in the 1800s. Samuel Thomson's technique based on the use of herbal cures was adopted by families in Boston, Massachusetts. Toxic and addictive medicine were also used during the period. Cures for illnesses were also found by moving West of the country where environmental conditions were good. Changes in the delivery of babies by poor women and midwives were observed during the period.

The use of harsh medical treatments and measures to fight epidemics in the U.S. from 1761 to 1799 caused more deaths than saved lives. The standard of medical education during the period was poor even with the operation of the first schools of medicine. Grave robbing was rampant among anatomy students. Efforts to improve the environment and the health and hygiene of the people were attempted. Inoculation of the people against smallpox was a medical breakthrough during the period.

There was limited knowledge in the practice of medicine in Jamestown, Virginia from 1607 until the end of the 1600s. Medical education was obtained through study of medical books and apprenticeship with a doctor. Medicine focused on the bodily fluids called humors which were based on the teachings of Greek physicians. Botanical medicines or herbals were used in treating various diseases as well as metals and minerals.

The medicine practiced by early American Indian tribes was based on nature, belief in spirits and the tribe's culture. Medicine men used herbs, animal parts and rituals to cure the sick and to maintain health. Native Americans practiced better hygiene than their white counterparts. Despite this, a huge number of Indian people were still wiped out by diseases and epidemics.

Discusses the experiences of Toshi Marks during World War II. Details of the U.S. bombing raid on Japan in June 1944; Occupation of Japan by U.S. forces.

Narrates the experiences of Gladys Godley during the German occupation of England and World War II. Family background of Godley; Details of the German Luftwaffe air force's bombing campaigns between September 1940 and May 1941.

Narrates the experiences of Andr é e-Paule Mason during the German occupation of France in June 1940 and World War II. Family background of Mason; Political activities of Mason during World War II; Information on the liberation of Paris in 1944.

Narrates the experiences of the family of Hans Levy in Germany during the reign of Adolf Hitler as chancellor of the country in 1933. Details of racial laws passed by Hitler during the period 1933 to 1939; Attempt of Jewish families to escape Hitler's persecution; Declaration of the National Socialist Party as the only legal political party in Germany.

Describes the women's love for the West. Appreciation of women about the West; Information on how author Willa Cather portrayed the western land.

Describes the clash of cultures between Native American women and white women. Work life of native American women; Role of Indian women in farming tribes; Description of job of plains women; Popularity of fabric weaving among southwestern and northwestern people; Impact of religion on an Indian woman's life.

Describes the role of women in the West in 19th century. Benefits of town life that women enjoyed; Roles of a woman in the 19th century; Role of women in schools; Lessons taught by women to children; Participation of women in religious and church services.

Describes the social life of western women in the U.S. Factor that caused white men to reject Indian and Hispanic women as suitable wives; Forms of entertainment in the west; Effect of female shortage on dancing; Fashion style of western women; Pastimes enjoyed by women in the west.

Describes the work life of western women in the U.S. Entrance of women into prostitution between 1865 and 1886; Dangers faced by women in prostitution; Forms of paid employment that have existed for women; Information on women who earned their living at less traditional jobs; Several African-American women in the West who made names for themselves as businesswomen.

Describes the houses and settlement of families in the U.S. western states. Home life of the settlers; Description of the settlers who arrived in Oregon and California; First homes of the primitive people; Problems experienced by women settlers; Description of the sod houses in the Great Plains; Discrimination facing African-American settlers in the western area; Life of women with army husbands.

Looks at the journey of families from eastern states to western states through oxendrawn covered wagon caravans. Description of the wagons; Factors that have pushed families to consider moving west in 1837; Details on the journey of travelers to the west between 1843 and late 1860s; Difficulties experienced by women during the trail in terms of dealing with daily chores; Discomforts and hardwork experienced by the people; Role of women in the overland trails.