The 1920s in the United States is characterized by lavish lifestyles and riches. In this period in history people were seeking out their dreams and aspirations. This was represented by the new skyscrapers made of steel that were becoming popular in New York City. These buildings allowed for more people to work in one place.
Women experienced more freedom and changed during this time period. There was an expanding job market and more disposable income. Women also won the right to vote by the 19th Amendment. They went to bars and after hour clubs. Clothing became more revealing and hair was shorter. Flappers and vamps were the most daring women of the day.
Jazz music also became popular in the 1920s. Harlem then became popular because it was the hub of jazz. The Harlem Renaissance, which occurred as a result of the rising popularity of jazz, was the idea of empowerment and pride of the African Americans and less oppressive segregation. This movement laid the ground work for the civil rights movement. However, with the empowerment of African Americans, the Ku Klux Klan remerged.The clan experienced resurgence because many people were unhappy with the new changes in American life. The clan members represented their self defending American ideals. They “stood for what America should stand for.” Anyone who was not WASP, was not accepted by the clan.
Technology was vastly improved in the 1920s as well. Some of which were stock markets, light bulbs, radio, and cars. Stock markets brought New York a lot of money. Light bulbs gave light and electricity to the majority of the homes around the country. Radio broadcasted to the world and allowed people to share common experiences. Cars were less work then horses,took up less storage space, and were more efficient.
Advertising started becoming more popular, which made people want to buy things and gave companies a way to get customers. Credit also was created, which allowed people to buy stuff that they could not afford and pay it back. This also helped the companies succeed. It is said that “Buy now, pay later” became the way of the day.
While the 1920s is known for bubbling wealth and success, this all came crumbling down when the stock market crash hit in 1929. This constituted The Great Depression, the largest economic depression in American History.
Tara I like how you included a bunch of different aspects of the decade. This gave a nice overview that still had details.
ReplyDeleteIt seems like the 1920's was an age of economic revolution and success. (The good type of revolution, if it truly existed) I really found it interesting how you mentioned smaller details such as the radio in conjunction with things like the KKK. Even though now they may be considered small, back then, the radio and bulbs were out of this world. Comparing the 1920's to now really show how far we've come as a society, let alone a country. Some of these aspects, such as the KKK, aren't at their power peak anymore. Meanwhile, the radio has become a thing of the past as it's now been over shadowed by the giant known as the smartphone.
ReplyDeleteWow you had a lot of really good information in this post. Very detailed, but still really easy for people to read through and understand. It feels like it is told as a story would be, and that is how history should be in general.
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