Life in the Roaring 20s The Jazz Age

Life in the Roaring 20’s: The Jazz Age

Post WWI Trends § WWI left the American people feeling exhausted. § Debate over the Treaty of Versailles, unemployment, an economic slump, and an increase in the cost in living… § Many Americans responded to these stressful situations by becoming fearful.

1920’s Fears § Nativism reemerged § Prejudice against foreign-born people § The public cried for isolationism § A policy of pulling away from involvement in world affairs § And the newest threat to the American way of life was communism!

The Red Scare § During WWI, the Russian people overthrew Czar Nicholas II and replaced him with a communist government. § Communism: an economic and political system where the government owns EVERYTHING! § Fears of communism spread throughout America—this was called the Red Scare. § The first communist party in the U. S formed.

The Palmer Raids Out of this fear, the government allowed special investigations to take place involving “suspected” communists on American soil. These investigations were led by a man named Gen. A. Mitchell Palmer.

Sacco & Vanzetti § This fear of communism also fed into people’s fears of foreigners and immigrants. § In May of 1920, two Italian immigrants were arrested and charged with an alleged robbery and murder. § At their trial they claimed to be innocent, the judge made racial remarks, and their was no strong evidence linking them to the crime.

However, Sacco and Vanzetti were found guilty and executed.

The Changing Face of America § The 1920’s was also a period of cultural revolution in some areas of the United States. § Concentrated in the cities! § And this revolution was spurred forward by the American youth.

The Jazz Age § The Great Migration of African Americans to the North brought new music into the northern cities. § Jazz and blues found their way into nightclubs where young Americans danced the nights away…. § The availability of the phonograph allowed these new forms of music to spread and Americans could listen to them at any time.

Crazy Crazes § Jazz Age Rhythms helped spur new leisure time activities. § Dance marathons, flagpole sitting, goldfish eating contests. § New forms of dancing: the Charleston, the Bunny Hop, Turkey Trot, Black Bottom.

1920’s Fashion § Fashion reflected the break-down of the traditional ways. § Women’s clothing was more revealing—short skirts/dresses, short sleeves, high heels. § Women cut their hair short and started to wear make-up.

The Flapper This new image of women became the symbol of the 20’s— the Flapper! Smoking, drinking, dancing, and socializing like men…

The Image of the 20’s Man Men too had a new image—they were seen as reckless drinkers, careless drivers, and irresponsible flirts!

The BIGGEST change: the Automobile § The automobile had a HUGE impact on this time period and helped shape this new culture in major ways. § Cars helped the young escape supervision. § FREEDOM!!

New Relationships § New found freedom at this time changed male/female relationships. § The young began dating without chaperones, they used slang that their parents didn’t understand, and they danced in a shocking new way—with their bodies touching.

The Realities of the 20’s § In reality, however, this urban youth culture movement was not as widespread or as popular as suggested… § Most Americans were worried about their economic survival.

The Reality of Women § Most women were not flappers, but instead were still limited socially and in the workplace. § Women still worked at the lower paying jobs & when they got married or pregnant they were often forced to quit.

1920’s Consumer Culture § Americans became a mass-consumption society—buying lots of stuff and usually on credit.

Shop ‘til you drop! Advertising played a critical role in America’s new found spending power!

Reaching the Masses Although newspapers & magazines were still popular ways to reach the public, radios became the most powerful communication tools. §News, speeches, and entertainment jammed the airwaves. §People began sharing common jokes, commercials, & music.

American Heroes § Movie Icons § Charlie Chaplin § Charles Lindbergh § 1 st man to fly solo across Atlantic Ocean § Sports Heroes § Babe Ruth § Jack Dempsey § Gertrude Ederle