Life In America in the 1920s Kaiser Noel

Life In America in the 1920’s Kaiser, Noel, Ryan

Introduction - The 1920’s was a decade of economic growth and technological advancements - Tax cuts initiated by the Republican congress and Presidents led to the increase of corporate profit which was beneficial for reviving the American economy in the short term - Consumerism stimulated the economy - This “golden age” eventually ends when the Stock Market crashed in 1929

Table of Contents 1) Changes during the Roaring Twenties 2) Prohibition 3) Consumerism 4) Products 5) Analysing The Positives and Negatives 6) Fashion 7) Links between The Great Gatsby and Our Research

Changes during the Roaring Twenties

What Changes Happened During This Time? Social Classes in America during the 1920 s: - The Roaring twenties were a period of extreme social change in America. As the economy of US grew, mass consumerism radically changed the way citizens live, such as mass productions and availability of goods and services across the upper, middle and lower classes - Income disparity has became a big issue during this era for the lower class due to inflation of goods in economic growth, as well as expanding companies - As the upper class began to expand, this issue highlighted the decrease of wage worker strength in the society and the increase of upper class power back then

What Changes Happened During This Time? Life changing for the American middle class: - The culture of America changed because many people moved from farms to live in cities. This allowed media and trends to spread faster which changed the culture drastically. One example of this was name-brands that began in cities all around the nation due to the new use of advertising, which allowed many of the current beliefs and inventions that we will mention later to begin. - Another change was the influence of pop culture on the lives of daily Americans. Movies, radio and music became very accessible for the average American worker - The influence of pop culture also created a certain degree of aspiration for

What Changes Happened During this time? Life changing for young Americans: - The Roaring twenties brought a sense of freedom and independence to millions of Americans, especially young Americans - Young soldiers from war came back with a wider variety of new ideas, from what they have experienced and explored in different countries. This triggered their desire to a new style of living. - Many young Americans started to challenge the traditions from the older generation. For example, young women started to experiment with short and thinner dresses instead of long bulky clothing

What Changes Happened During This Time? What was happening to life in the cities - The cities became crowded as citizens started to move from rural farms into urbanised cities - There’s a variety of entertainment functions to enjoy, including movie theatres, broadway shows, speakeasy bars and concerts - Cities began urbanizing, increasing and expanding its size

What Changes Happened During This Time? Which cities were seen as major places of change and why was this so? Major cities were mostly concentrated in the Midwest and the east and west coasts respectively Notable metropolitans during this time were Chicago, Philadelphia, New York City, San Francisco, Los Angeles, St. Louis and Minnesota

What was happening to the infrastructure of America? The affordability of the Ford Model T has led to major constructions of highways and roads The installation and expansion of electric grids, telephone lines and plumbing systems has increased in cities By 1929, over 70% of Americans have basic access to electricity Radio waves were established as a mean for transferring news items and advertisements across to a large audience

Prohibition

Changes-Prohibition of alcoholic drinks Nationwide Constitutional ban on the sale, production, importation, and transportation of alcoholic beverages Described as a “noble experiment” Planned to reduce crime and corruption, solve social problems, reduce the tax burden created by prisons and poorhouses, and improve health and hygiene in America.

Changes-Prohibition Failed Illegal alcohol operations began to arise as police officers began to take bribes from the huge amounts of profit gained from this operation. Since there was only a few federal agents and policemen being bribed, the law was not enforced strongly. Rise to tremendous amounts of organized crime. On March 22, 1933, President Franklin Roosevelt signed into law the Cullen– Harrison Act, legalizing beer with an alcohol content of 3. 2 percent (by weight) and wine of a similarly low alcohol content.

Consumerism

The influence of Consumerism What led to the increase in consumerism in America? During the 1920 s, thanks to the rapid industrialization of factories, products were made in mass amounts, which eventually led to the decrease in price and increase in availability amongst consumers. In order to support Americans to buy these products, the banks started to introduce a hire-purchase and credit scheme, which means Americans are able to purchase expensive products with a loan and pay back on a monthly basis The Fordney-Mc. Cumber Tariff Act imposed tariffs on imported European goods, which in turn made foreign products very expensive, whilst doing so

How did people seek to better their lives in this age? The middle and upper class citizens during this time tended to consume goods that were available on the market. - Many Americans had extra money to spend, and most of them spent it on consumer goods like clothes and home appliances. - One of the most consumed products of the 1920 s were Cars. Automobiles such as the Ford Model T only cost $260.

Products

Tommy Gun - 1920 The Thompson submachine gun is an American submachine gun, invented by John T. Thompson in 1918, that became infamous during the Prohibition era. -The Thompson was favored by soldiers, criminals, police and civilians alike for its large. 45 ACP cartridge, accuracy, and high volume of automatic fire.

Bandaid -The Band-Aid was invented by Earle Dickson in 1920. -It was invented because Earle Dickson got really annoyed of constantly tapping adhesive tape to cotton gauzes for each of Josephine’s wounds(wife) as she always got cuts and burns from making dinner.

Ford Model T The invention of the Ford Model T enabled average Americans to have the chance to buy an affordable automobile. It is considered the first affordable car as before cars had only been bought by the wealthy.

Po’ Boy It almost always consists of meat, which is usually sloppy roast beef, or fried seafood which includes shrimp, crawfish, oysters and crab. The meat is served on baguette-like French bread that is known for its crisp crust and fluffy center or in a basket. -This is the staple food for the poor -Although it is considered really unhealthy, it is common to see hard labourers eat this food since it provides them with the necessary energy needed.

Positives and Negatives

What was positive about the Roaring Twenties? - This consumerism mentality stimulated economic growth, which in turn made the United States the richest country in the world - Western culture flourished during this time, which led to the creation of legendary musicians, artists and actors alike - The Roaring Twenties were essentially the gateway towards urban modernization. - The massive investment in infrastructure, increase in technological discovery and advancements shaped our society in a modern context

What criticisms were there of the Roaring Twenties and the Jazz Age? The Rise of Supremacist groups As with all economic booms, people from rural areas tend to migrate towards richer parts of the country to seek better opportunity and jobs This however led to the establishment of the Ku Klux Klan in the Midwest, an organization which uses brutal violence to attack Southern migrants because they fear their jobs might be taken away from the new population

What criticisms were there of the Roaring Twenties and the Jazz Age? The Change of Gender Roles To some, the 1920’s were a great decade for women rights, such as the 19 th amendment which allows women to vote as well as the growing liberation of female fashion However, to some conservatives would argue that the traditional role of a woman should not be changed, meaning they belonged to the kitchen, unable to seek out their own career and has to obey the orders of their husbands

What criticisms were there of the Roaring Twenties and the Jazz Age? The Extravagant lifestyles of the wealthy This time period of rapid economic growth made lots of individuals millionaires overnight People became rich because of different reasons: Many sold drugs and alcohol in the black markets during the prohibition period, a time where the demand for these substances were incredibly high As these newcomers of the upper class have absolutely no connections, they often bought luxurious, materialistic objects such as handbags, watches and automobiles in order to display signs of wealth to others

What were the criticisms of The Roaring Twenties? Growing Inequality On the surface, the 1920’s may seem like a great decade for every American However, not everyone benefitted from the economic growth Beneficiaries Sufferers By the end of the 1920’s, poverty was 60% Consumer product factory owners Farmers Blue collar workers Blacks Wall Street Speculators Coal Miners White collar workers New Immigrants

What were the criticisms of The Roaring Twenties? Overproduction in agriculture The end of the 1920’s has seen a major surplus in agricultural products as the demand for them weren’t as high as they were during the start of the decade Fordney-Mc. Cumber Tariff Act passed during the start of the decade has seen tariffs being imposed on imported European goods The European countries did the same by high taxes and tariffs on American goods The United States were unable to sell its surplus agricultural goods to Europe because European countries were able to grow their own crops The inability to sell crops made these products fall heavily in prices, causing farmers to go out of business and tens of thousands of farmers became unemployed

Fashion

Lifestyle: Fashion As women entered the workforce and earned the right to vote, fashion trends became more accessible, practical and popular -Bobbed Hair-Due to wanting to fit under the popular hats -Low waisted dress that allows free movement that allows them to go crazy on the dance floor : D PARTY -They were also known as Flappers

Lifestyle: Fashion-Wealthy Proper apparel for the female was ideal for morning, afternoon and evening activities. *Wealthy women were expected to change their clothing at least 2 times a day for morning and evening activities Afternoon Dresses (Tea Gowns) Gowns -Long flowing sleeves longer than Tea Gowns -Accompanied with Sashes and or bows Evening -Slightly -Color: Mostly Satin or Velvet

Links between The Great Gatsby and our research

Roaring Twenties and The Great Gatsby Roaring Twenties - - The 1920 s was a period of wealth and great economic prosperity where the middle class became rich and obtained power, which lead to the expansion of the upper class. However, apart from soaring economy and increase of upper class families, a large part of the population also suffered the life of being poor, also known as income The Great Gatsby - In the novel, Jay Gatsby is portrayed as a rich and powerful character who lives a mansion, who represents the authority from the upper class - Whereas the protagonist of the story - Nick Carraway, represents the middle class as an ordinary neighbour of Gatsby without the fortune he has

Roaring Twenties and The Great Gatsby Roaring Twenties - During the Roaring Twenties, men treat women as possessions and looked for multiple partners. Whereas women use marriage to put themselves in a better social and financial position, than to marry for love - This witnessed the societies’ extreme desire for power and prosperity The Great Gatsby - In the novel, Tom Buchanan (Daisy’s husband) has multiple affairs going on with different women. Despite the fact that Daisy is aware of this, she still decides to stay with Tom, as he puts her in a more favourable position in the society

Roaring Twenties and The Great Gatsby Roaring Twenties - - During this era, the upper class often represented themselves with their rich and luxurious surroundings, such as obtaining modern technologies, fast cars, as well as mansions, which they often showed off at fancy parties They developed a view of being superior compared with the lower classes The Great Gatsby - Jay Gatsby’s goods and materials defines his level of wealth, such as acquiring opulent automobiles, fancy clothing and large mansions - Rich people often take their possessions as a representation of their identity and value in the American society back then

Roaring Twenties and The Great Gatsby Roaring Twenties - Throughout the Roaring Twenties, the American Dream is born, it was the dream to live in luxury and the own anything you desire. And because, many people work hard to achieve their goal. Some made an honest living, whereas others seize greater opportunity despite whether it is illegal or not. The Great Gatsby - In the novel, Jay Gatsby obtains his wealth through shady businesses from a chain of illegal drug stores that he owns in America - He found his fortune through illegal money - This represents most Americans’ desire to make a fortune and to life a life of luxury and pleasure

Conclusion - The Roaring Twenties was an exciting era with massive changes in the American society. There came along with extreme economic prosperity following America’s success in the World War, which greatly boosted the economy of the states and benefited the citizens. - There was also an emergence of new technology and new ideas brought from young soldiers and Americans that clashed with old traditions, which lead to the start of a new lifestyle - However, Americans had to bear the consequences after this period of partying and pleasure. Due to their massive spending of money, the stock markets crashed which lead to the Great Depression

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