The introduction of the Model-T in 1908 helped usher in the modern era of consumerism giving people an easy, fast, and affordable mode of transportation. With the rapid growth of the U.S. during the same period, there was an increased demand for more currency. In 1913, the Federal Reserve Act, which established the Federal Reserve System, helped to stabilize banks by creating an independent central bank to provide an elastic money supply. Money continued to change to meet the needs of the rapidly expanding nation. In 1929, currency became smaller to reduce printing costs. During World War II, special currency was issued to ensure a safe money supply.