The Roaring Twenties and the American Dream

The Roaring Twenties and the American Dream

• The 1920s were a time of transition following World War I, marked by disillusionment, social unrest, and economic changes.
• Americans experienced a spirit of idealism initially, but there were also widespread social tensions including racism, intolerance, and violence.
• Economic booming; America partied, organized crime, Prohibition Act, decline of moral standards.
• Optimism prevailed during the era with faith in progress, technological advancements and business innovation driving the economy. Technological breakthroughs such as electricity and automobiles contributed to a widespread sense of progress.
• However, critics argued the 1920s represented a "decline and degradation," focusing too much on material wealth, and resulting in a loss of spiritual life and purpose.
• The 1920s witnessed a changing social atmosphere, notably in evolving gender roles and relationships. Women gain more independence.
• The era saw the rise of urbanization, an attraction to success, and the rise of cinema as a form of entertainment. Jazz music gained popularity immensely.
• Prohibition, the 18th Amendment, resulted in illegal liquor distribution by bootleggers in speakeasies. Famous gangsters emerged during this era.
• Significant changes also happened within the role of women in the 1920s (e.g. the 19th amendment, increased employment, and personal freedoms).
• The roaring 20s were marked by significant artistic and literary achievements (e.g., the rise of writers like F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemingway and others).
• The 1920s saw a flourishing of Art Deco styles that encompassed architecture, arts, clothing, hairstyles, and furnishings.
• The Harlem Renaissance emerged as a rich period of African-American artistic works.

1920s: Economic, Technological & Sociological Context

• The US economy shifted from wartime to peacetime after WWI.
• A temporary economic stall occurred after the war.
• In the 1920s, America became the wealthiest nation.
• An era of consumerism flourished as individuals spent money on better roads, tourism, holiday resorts.
• Technological advancements, such as the Model T automobile assembly line, significantly increased productivity and reshaped industries.
• Radio technology became common in everyday American homes.
• The advent of Technicolor modernized movies and broadened the movie industry.
• The 1920s witnessed significant changes in food production, clothing, and household appliances.
• Machinery improved agricultural productivity, but also reduced the need for manual labor.
• The rise of stock speculation led to an economic boom but also potentially significant risks as the 1929 stock market crash signaled the end of this era.
• Health and hygiene advancements, such as immunizations and medical discoveries.

1920s: Political Context

• Warren G. Harding was elected President in 1920 and his administration was riddled with scandals.
• Harding died in 1921; his vice president Calvin Coolidge assumed the presidency.
• Coolidge successfully cleaned up many of Harding's scandalous activities.
• Later, Herbert Hoover became President in 1928, during the height of the American economic boom. His presidency was largely marked by the nation's economic prosperity until the beginning of the Great Depression.
• There is overall evidence of conservative political policies.

1920s: Social Context

• The Red Scare emerged which was a widespread fear of Communism.
• There was a rise of social and cultural movements such as the Ku Klux Klan and restrictions on immigration.
• Prohibition, despite being unpopular, created an environment of criminal activities and increased the rise of organized crime.
• The role of women in society changed with the emergence of "flappers," marked by an evolution in fashion, social attitudes, and freedoms.
• Social crazes/frenzies in the 1920s include dancing, dance marathons, flagpole sitting, and flying stunts.
• Sports stars such as Babe Ruth became icons in the public eye.
• Significant changes happened in the arts and literature.

F. Scott Fitzgerald

• Born in 1896, in St. Paul, Minnesota; attended Princeton University (1911-1912).
• Met Zelda Sayre in 1918 and marries in 1920.
• Published The Great Gatsby in 1925.
• Was an accomplished author, considered to be a voice of the Jazz Age.
• His personal life was marked by struggles with alcoholism and marital issues; his wife Zelda also experienced mental health struggles.
• His work had significant impact and notoriety; he is considered a prominent figure of the era.
• Died in 1940.

The Great Gatsby

• Published in 1925.
• Set during the summer of 1922.
• The novel explores various themes, including the American Dream, social class, and the spirit of the 1920s.
• The novel features a variety of characters and symbolizes different aspects of the time.

Explore the complexities of the 1920s in America, a decade shaped by social changes, economic prosperity, and cultural shifts. This quiz delves into themes such as the rise of organized crime, the impact of prohibition, and evolving gender roles. Understand how optimism intertwined with criticism during this transformative period.