Society in the 1920's Flashcards

Key Terms and Concepts from the 1920s

• Flappers: Young women known for their rebellious fashion, characterized by knee-length dresses, bobbed hair, and energetic dance styles. Symbolized a break from traditional female roles.

• Demographics: Statistical data representing characteristics of a population, including race and income, critical for economic and marketing analysis.

• Barrio: A Spanish-speaking neighborhood often established by immigrants from Mexico and Central America, particularly in California.

• Farmers’ Economic Struggles: Farmers faced significant economic challenges during the 1920s, affecting their livelihoods and contributing to broader economic issues.

• Migration Trends: Significant movement of African Americans from rural areas to urban centers was driven by industrial job opportunities during the early 20th century.

• Asian Immigration Restrictions: The Immigration Act of 1917 imposed literacy tests and barred immigration from most Asian nations, leading to a decline in Asian immigration in the 1920s.

• Amelia Earhart: Notable as the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic in 1928, marking a significant achievement in aviation history.

• Industrial Boom's Impact: The industrial boom attracted African Americans to the North, seeking better employment and living conditions.

• Urban to Suburban Migration: The rise of automobiles encouraged city dwellers to move to suburbs, reflecting changing living patterns.

• The Flapper Myth: The image of a flapper often exaggerated the reality of women's experiences and societal attitudes in the 1920s.

• Trolley Replacement: In the 1920s, trolleys serving suburbs were largely replaced by buses, showing the evolution of public transportation.

• Women’s Workplace Status: Despite some advancements during World War I, the status of women in the workplace saw little significant change in the 1920s.

• Jim Thorpe: A celebrated Native American athlete, known for winning Olympic gold medals and professional football success.

• Charleston Dance: The Charleston symbolized the carefree spirit of the Jazz Age, associated closely with flappers and the evolving cultural landscape.

• Cultural Aspirations: Figures like Charles Lindbergh epitomized a national admiration for heroism and the allure of fame during the era.

• Charles Lindbergh’s Achievement: Gained fame as the first person to fly nonstop from New York to Paris, representing American innovation and courage.

• Mass Media Emergence: Gained prominence in the 1920s as a means of mass communication, influencing public opinion through radio and print.

• Jazz Age Definition: Coined by author F. Scott Fitzgerald, representing the cultural explosion and vibrant musical scene of the 1920s.

• Lost Generation: A group of American writers disillusioned by the materialism and moral decline of society, often seeking refuge in Europe.

• Harlem Renaissance: A flourishing of African American artistic expression in the 1920s, highlighting cultural pride and creativity centered in Harlem.