essay about 1920s

• History & Society
• Science & Tech
• Biographies
• Animals & Nature
• Geography & Travel
• Arts & Culture
• Games & Quizzes
• On This Day
• One Good Fact
• New Articles
• Lifestyles & Social Issues
• Philosophy & Religion
• Politics, Law & Government
• World History
• Health & Medicine
• Browse Biographies
• Birds, Reptiles & Other Vertebrates
• Bugs, Mollusks & Other Invertebrates
• Environment
• Fossils & Geologic Time
• Entertainment & Pop Culture
• Sports & Recreation
• Visual Arts
• Demystified
• Image Galleries
• Infographics
• Top Questions
• Britannica Kids
• Saving Earth
• Space Next 50
• Student Center

• Who were some early feminist thinkers and activists?
• What is intersectional feminism?
• How have feminist politics changed the world?

Roaring Twenties

Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

• CORE - The Roaring Twenties
• GlobalSecurity.org - USA History - The Jazz Age
• Minnesota Libraries Publishing Project - US History II: Gilded Age to Present - The Roaring Twenties
• NCpedia - Roaring Twenties
• Digital History - The Roaring Twenties
• The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History - The Roaring Twenties
• United States History for Kids - The Jazz Age

Roaring Twenties , colloquial term for the 1920s, especially within the United States and other Western countries where the decade was characterized by economic prosperity, rapid social and cultural change, and a mood of exuberant optimism. The liveliness of the period stands in marked contrast to the historical crises on either side of it: World War I (1914–18) and the Great Depression (1929–c. 1939). The name may have originated as a play on the nautical term roaring forties , referring to latitudes with strong ocean winds.

By the dawn of the 1920s, the second Industrial Revolution had transformed the United States into a global economic power and drawn millions of Americans to cities. With a concurrent rise in immigration, the 1920 U.S. census was the first in which the majority of the population lived in urban areas. Although World War I had strained the country’s finances, the fact that the United States had entered the war late and that the fighting took place overseas helped it secure a more dominant economic position relative to its European allies.

During the 1920s, the American economy continued to accelerate. One reason was the growing electrification of the country. The portion of U.S. households with electricity rose from 12 percent in 1916 to 63 percent in 1927, and its widening use in factories led to increased productivity. Also contributing to the economic boom was the advent of mass-production methods such as the assembly line , which spurred the growth of the automobile industry. The decade saw the number of passenger cars more than triple, which in turn stimulated the expansion of transportation infrastructure and the oil and gas industries. In addition, the overall business sector benefited from the laissez-faire economic policies of U.S. presidents Warren G. Harding (1921–23) and Calvin Coolidge (1923–29). Between 1922 and 1929, the country’s real gross national product increased by nearly 40 percent, and the unemployment rate remained low.

The technological and manufacturing boom ushered in a modern consumer culture . With electricity came a range of new household appliances, such as the refrigerator, vacuum cleaner, and washing machine, and the increased availability of credit made it possible for many Americans to afford them. The growth of the advertising industry and the development of sophisticated marketing techniques also helped create demand for these and other products in an expanding mass-media landscape. Not only was the radio one of the most popular new electric devices, installed in 40 percent of homes by 1930, but the airwaves became an effective advertising medium. As labour-saving technologies created more opportunities for leisure, a plethora of popular entertainment arose from new media. Moviegoing became an American pastime, especially after the emergence of “ talkies .” By the decade’s end, 80 million people flocked to cinemas weekly, with radio and magazines boosting interest in the stars on the screen.

The 1920s also brought about social changes for women in the United States. Women had entered the workforce in significant numbers during World War I, filling jobs that had been vacated by men sent to war and taking new jobs that aided the war effort. Their contributions galvanized support for the suffrage movement, which culminated in the ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment in 1920. Many women remained in the workforce after the war, especially as growing industrialization provided greater opportunities. Young women who were employed in cities enjoyed unprecedented economic independence, and the increased use of contraception (the country’s first birth control clinic was opened in 1916) provided sexual freedom as well. Perhaps the most enduring symbol of the Roaring Twenties is that of the flapper , the emancipated “New Woman” who bobbed her hair, wore loose, knee-length dresses, smoked and drank in public, and was more open about sex.

In a rapidly modernizing world, young people guided creative movements that often defied convention. Jazz music, which had developed into an exciting style defined by improvisation and swinging rhythms, became the dominant sound of the new generation. (Its prominence earned the era another nickname, the Jazz Age, popularized by the writer F. Scott Fitzgerald .) The vitality of jazz was part of a broader flourishing of African American art and culture known as the Harlem Renaissance , which was centred in New York City but reverberated far beyond it. Fitzgerald himself was a leading figure of the Lost Generation , a group of writers whose work captured the era’s decadence and spoke to the disillusionment of many who came of age during World War I.

Although postwar economic conditions were less robust in western Europe than in the United States, the social and cultural milieus were similarly dynamic . In France the 1920s were known as “Les Années Folles” (“The Crazy Years”). In Germany’s Weimar Republic , which produced an explosion of intellectual and artistic activity, they were the “Goldene Zwanziger Jahre” (“Golden Twenties”). The British public was scandalized by the exploits of a set of affluent youth dubbed the Bright Young Things. In the art world, Surrealism grew out of the Dada movement that had developed in Zürich during the war, while Art Deco , promoted by a 1925 exposition in Paris , became highly influential in international architecture and design.

Nevertheless, the popular image of the 1920s as a prosperous, progressive, and jubilant era obscures some realities. In the United States, the decade began with the enactment of the Eighteenth Amendment , under which the manufacture and sale of alcohol was prohibited. Despite the emergence of bootleggers and speakeasies , and the glamour associated with drinking illegally, the temperance movement did succeed in significantly reducing Americans’ consumption of alcohol. In addition, while the Great Migration provided a path for African Americans to pursue greater economic and educational opportunities, and the influence of African American culture spread, the 1920s also saw a revival of the Ku Klux Klan . Growing anti-foreign sentiment (also espoused by the new Klan) led to the Immigration Act of 1924, which severely restricted the number of immigrants arriving in the United States.

More generally, not all Americans shared in the spoils of the roaring national economy. In the late 1920s, the wealthiest 1 percent received nearly one-quarter of all pretax income, and 60 percent of families earned less than $2,000 a year, a benchmark that economists regarded as “sufficient to supply only basic necessities.” Rural, nonwhite, and immigrant Americans were among the groups less likely to benefit from the boom. Inequality was one of several factors that contributed to the collapse of the economy in 1929, as the stock market crash in October signaled the end of the Roaring Twenties and the start of the Great Depression.

1920s in America: A Decade of Roar and Silence

An essay: the turbulent 1920’s – roaring or snoring.

The 1920s, often dubbed the “ Roaring Twenties ,” was a decade of significant change, progress, and contradiction in American society. The period is frequently visualized through the lens of flapper dancers, jazz music, speakeasies, and economic prosperity. Yet, these lively portrayals must be weighed against the quieter, less flamboyant, yet equally defining elements of the era, which saw the tightening of immigration laws, the rise of nativism, and rural isolationism. Given the diverse and multifaceted nature of the 1920s, the question arises: was this era truly “roaring,” or was it also “snoring” in parts?

Roaring: An Era of Cultural and Economic Exuberance

From the vantage point of popular culture, the 1920s was undeniably roaring. The jazz age brought about a music revolution, with artists like Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington defining an entirely new American sound. The Charleston and the shimmy, popular dances of the time, allowed many to express their newfound freedoms in flapper dresses and bobbed haircuts.

Economically, the country was booming. With the end of World War I, the U.S. emerged as a leading global power with a burgeoning economy. The stock market saw unprecedented growth, and many considered this a never-ending ascent to prosperity. The automobile, once a luxury, became commonplace, symbolized by Ford’s Model T. Radios, movies, and household appliances began to shape daily American life, marking the dawn of a consumerist culture.

Snoring: Underlying Tensions and Restrictive Changes

However, beneath the energetic surface of the ’20s, one could hear the steady drone of societal unease. The decade began with the enactment of the 18th Amendment, which ushered in the era of Prohibition. While intended to curb societal ills associated with alcohol, Prohibition paradoxically fostered organized crime, bootlegging, and underground bars called speakeasies.

In the political realm, the Red Scare, or fear of communist influence, led to the Palmer Raids and widespread suspicion of immigrants. The 1924 Immigration Act severely limited the number of newcomers, especially from Southern and Eastern Europe and Asia, reflecting a resurgence in nativist sentiments.

Racial tensions simmered throughout the decade. The Great Migration saw a significant movement of African Americans from the rural South to Northern cities, leading to racial tensions and riots in places like Chicago and Tulsa. The Ku Klux Klan also experienced a revival, not just in the South but across the nation.

In addition, the urban-rural divide widened. While cities thrived, rural areas felt left behind. The Scopes Trial of 1925, which put evolutionary theory on trial, underscored this cultural divide between urban modernists and rural traditionalists.

Conclusion: A Complex Mélange

The 1920s cannot be pinned down as merely roaring or snoring; it was a tumultuous blend of both. The exuberant cultural expressions and economic boom were juxtaposed against profound societal tensions and nativist retreats. The Roaring Twenties was as much about flappers and jazz as it was about the KKK and Prohibition.

To fully understand and appreciate the 1920s, one must acknowledge its dualities. By doing so, we gain insight not only into a unique decade in American history but also into the inherent contradictions that often define human progress. The 1920s serves as a compelling testament to America’s capacity for both dazzling progress and deep introspection.

Class Notes on the Turbulent 20’s – Roaring or Snoring?

The 1920’s were an odd time. On one hand we called it the roaring 20 ’s. America experienced a time of great wealth and new modern ideas. The role of women changed, sports and entertainment stars were celebrated and modern technology changed America’s landscape. On the other hand, however, America remained fiercely conservative and religious. We feared public dissent and rural America attempted to turn back the clock of progress. The reality is that America was a divided nation.

While the US was at war with the Triple Alliance many citizens opposed the war. The government felt that opposition to government policies in time of war threatened our national security. Restrictive laws such as the Espionage and Sedition Acts were passed in order to silence opposition. Many outspoken people were jailed. It was a time of great national crisis and the Constitution was thoroughly tested.

A. What were the Espionage and Sedition Acts? (1917) 1. Persons who commit the following acts may be fined up to $10,000 and/or jailed for up to 20 years: a. willfully cause insubordination, disloyalty, mutiny or refusal of duty in the military forces . (Espionage Act) b. prohibited disloyal, profane, scurrilous or abusive remarks about the form of government, flag or uniform of the United States. It even prohibited the opposition to the purchase of war bonds. (not investment advice!) (Sedition Act)

B. What was the result of the Espionage Acts during World War I?

1. Eugene V. Debs, arrested and convicted for opposing the war, 10 years. Gained over a million votes in a run for President while he was in prison. 2. Charles Schenck, member of the Socialist Party, sentenced to 15 years for publishing pamphlets urging citizens to refuse to participate in the draft. He called the draft slavery, among other things.

C. How were the Espionage and Sedition Acts challenged?

(Schenck v The United States) 1. Charles Schenck was arrested for violating the Espionage Act, passed by Congress in 1914. The Espionage Act made it illegal to defame the government or do anything that might retard the war effort. Schenck, a member of the Socialist Party, opposed the war and printed and distributed pamphlets urging citizens to oppose the draft which he likened to slavery. Schenck claimed his first amendment rights were violated. 2. The court ruled against Schenck saying that the Espionage Act did not violate the first amendment and that in times of war the government may place reasonable limitations on freedom of speech. Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes outlined the courts opinion by explaining that when a “clear and present danger” existed such as shouting fire in a crowded theater, freedom of speech may be limited.

Even though things like the Espionage and Sedition Act occurred the US still became a more modern, faster and wealthier nation.

The 1920’s were a time of great social change characterized by apparent prosperity, new ideas, and personal freedom. Known as the “roaring twenties” America was reacting to the depression of the World War. It was like a giant party. New technology, new ideas and great change. Yet under the surface the same conservative values still flourished. The economic boom of the era was short-lived, but most of the social changes were lasting.

 What were some of the manners and moral changes that occurred?

1. America’s population generally shifted from rural areas to more urban ones.

More than half of the nations population now lived in cities and towns.

2. Urban communities life was now unquestionably lively and stimulating. There were many things to see-museums, art exhibits, plays, athletic events, trade expositions, and the like.

3. New ideas in science were examined and often accepted. Of course this was the case in the cities more so than in the small towns. In small town America most people remained relatively conservative. (See  Scopes Monkey Trial ) People now tended to be judged on their accomplishments rather than on their social background.

As life in the United States began to undergo changes, many felt the gnawing insecurity associated with change. The heroic person who could face the trials of competition or the dangers of the unknown became larger than life. The hero had come up against the strongest adversaries and won. For people living in uncertain times, the hero was proof that a brave and strong-willed man or woman could win out over fears of the unknown or the impossible.

What qualities seem to have been idolized in the 1920’s?

1. Writers Speak for the twenties

A. F. Scott Fitzgerald published  This Side Of Paradise and The Great Gatsby. He won instant acclaim as the spokesman for the twenties generation. In these novels and others, he described the confusion and tragedy caused by a frantic search for material success. B. Ernest Hemingway expressed disgust with prewar codes of behavior and the glorification of war. He also developed a clear, straightforward prose that set a new, tough, “hard-boiled” literary style

2. Sport Heroes

A. Babe Ruth – Perhaps the greatest baseball player who ever lived. He led the Yankees to seven world series and his record for Home Runs (Total and in a season – 60) stood for years. Ruth was a media icon and fan favorite. B. Harold Edward “Red” Grange – College football hero, this running back drew tens of thousands to watch him play and helped popularize college football. C. Jack Dempsey – One of the greatest heavyweight boxers of all time. Lost a dramatic title match to Gene Tunney. D. Bill Tilden and Helen Wills –Tennis champions who epitomized grace and poise. These star athletes helped popularize the sport of tennis. E. Johnny Weismuller – Olympic gold medal winning swimmer who later starred in Hollywood as Tarzan Lord of the Jungle.

3. Other important Heroes

A. Charles A. Lindbergh –He flew a nonstop flight from New York to Paris in thirty-three and a half hours. He was the man who epitomized heroism in the twenties. Lindbergh became a world and national hero who characterized courage and doing the impossible. B. Louis Armstrong –a trumpeter who played the first jazz heard north of Mason-Dixon line. C. W. E. B. Du Bois –founder of the NAACP and worked hard to improve the lives of blacks in America.

How Did the Role of Women Change in the 1920’s?

During World War 1, women served their country in almost every possible capacity. They took jobs in steel foundries, chemical plants, and munitions factories. Many went overseas as nurses in the newly created Army Corps of Nurses. Their experiences away from home and traditional women’s work gave them a strong moral argument for the right to vote. The many tactics of the women and the shameful way they were treated finally forced Congress to deal with the issue. President Wilson, finally declared himself in favor of woman suffrage and the Nineteenth Amendment was ratified on August 26 th 1920.

Many women’s styles changed as well. The popular hair style of the time was for women’s hair to be cut short into a bob. These modern women were known as “flappers.”

Between 1910 and 1930 the proportion of women in the labor force remained at about 20 percent. However, there was a notable change in the kinds of work that some women did. The number of female cooks, dress makers, household servants, and farm hands dropped. The number of women doctors, bankers, lawyers, police and probation officer, social workers, and hairdressers rose.

For all the changes in status during the twenties, it was still generally accepted-even by most women-that “woman’s place is in the home.” Men should earn more than women, it was thought, because usually they supported wives and children. Women workers generally were single. In some states, women teachers who married lost their jobs.

SCOPES MONKEY TRIAL

he 1920’s was not all “roaring” as we shall see. There were many, especially those in power who preached conservatism and moderation. America turned towards the right, we were a religious god fearing nation. This religious traditionalism brought about serious constitutional questions, ones that have yet to fully answered.

The Scopes Monkey Trial   – 1925 – In 1925 in Dayton Tennessee a group of teachers decided to test a law called the Butler Law. The Butler law made it illegal to teach the theory of evolution and instead mandated the biblical interpretation of creationism. The teachers felt that academic freedom and integrity as well as separation of church and state was at stake. Twenty four year old science teacher and football coach John T. Scopes would teach the class. Knowing he would be arrested Scopes taught the class and set into motion one of the most important trials in American history.

Scopes was arrested, as expected, for violating the Butler Law. At the ensuing trial William Jennings Bryan (Yes, the Populist guy!) acted as special prosecutor. World famous criminal defense lawyer Clarence Darrow defended Scopes. The trial raged on for days. The judge did not allow any of Darrow’s scientists to testify and public sentiment in the Bible Belt was against Scopes. Bryan portrayed Darrow as an agnostic and atheist. In desperation Darrow put Bryan himself on the stand. Darrow brilliantly was able to get Bryan to admit that the word of the bible is not literal, it was interpreted. This seemed to destroy the whole case. Darrow asked for immediate judgment and when the jury came back Darrow was shocked…he had lost! The judge levied the minimum fine possible ($100) against Scopes. Later that year the Scopes conviction was overturned on a technicality.

What did all this prove? Well for one it showed the religious and conservative nature of America. It also displayed the vast differences between the big cities and the small towns. The big city newspapers covering the trial scoffed at the Butler Law as small minded and archaic. In the cities Scopes was a hero but in Dayton Tennessee he was a criminal.

America was left with many questions. Were we to be a modern nation, the nation of Lindbergh and the roaring twenties or were we to be the nation of religious right wing conservatives? Only time would tell.

US History: Resources by Decade: 1920s

1920s: resources from database u.s. history in context (gale).

• U.S. History in Context (Gale): 1920s This link contains a variety of content (e.g. an overview, academic journals, primary sources, images, references) on the 1920s.

Barnett, Thomas P. (American architect, 1870-1929), Role: painter. (Work: 1922, Era: CE, Image Date: 1989). Riches of the Mines, detail view. [mural paintings (visual works)].  https://library.artstor.org/public/SS7732236_7732236_12897144

Ebooks and Print Books: USA in 1920s

• << Previous: 1910s
• Next: 1930s >>
• Last Updated: Jan 19, 2024 11:50 AM
• URL: https://libguides.polk.edu/usabydecade

Polk State College is committed to equal access/equal opportunity in its programs, activities, and employment. For additional information, visit polk.edu/compliance .

The Culture of the 1920s in America

This essay about 1920s culture examines the transformative period known as the “Roaring Twenties,” a decade marked by vibrant cultural expression and significant societal shifts in America. It highlights the rise of jazz music, which became the era’s defining soundtrack and influenced social dance culture with styles like the Charleston and the Lindy Hop. The essay also discusses the emergence of the “flapper,” a new woman’s identity that symbolized the decade’s break from traditional gender norms and embraced personal freedom. Additionally, it explores the impact of Prohibition, which, although intended to curb alcohol consumption, ironically fostered an underground liquor trade and speakeasies, fueling organized crime and a culture of defiance. Finally, the expansion of mass entertainment is addressed, with the growth of Hollywood, the advent of talkies, and the widespread popularity of radio, which linked the nation in a shared cultural experience. The 1920s was a period of rebellion, liberation, and innovation that profoundly influenced the cultural landscape of America.

How it works

The 1920s, often denoted as the “Roaring Twenties,” constituted a decade of profound cultural, social, and political upheaval that redefined American society. It heralded an era distinguished by exuberant cultural expression, seismic shifts in societal norms, and a palpable liberation from the constraints of yesteryears. This exposition delves into the cultural tapestry of the 1920s, accentuating its defining attributes, including the sway of jazz music, the emergence of a novel feminine archetype, the ramifications of Prohibition, and the burgeoning realm of mass entertainment.

Foremost among the influential facets of 1920s culture was the ascension of jazz music, serving as the quintessential melody of the era. Rooted in the crucibles of African American communities in the Southern regions, jazz swiftly proliferated to the urban epicenters of the North, notably Chicago and New York City. Eminent luminaries such as Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington attained iconic status, their musical compositions emblematic of the epoch’s departure from convention and its embrace of novelty and spontaneity. Jazz not only revolutionized the American musical landscape but also left an indelible imprint on the social dance milieu, catalyzing the vogue of dance styles such as the Charleston, the Lindy Hop, and the Foxtrot.

The 1920s also bore witness to a seismic metamorphosis in the role and perception of women in society, personified by the archetype of the “flapper.” Flappers, emblematic of youthful femininity, adorned themselves in abbreviated hemlines and sported bobbed hairstyles, overtly challenging traditional gender mores through their indulgence in vices like imbibing alcohol, smoking, and partaking in activities traditionally associated with masculinity. This emergent feminine paradigm transcended the shackles of societal norms, embodying a fervent pursuit of autonomy and personal actualization. The flapper burgeoned into an emblem of the era’s newfound liberties and shifting paradigms concerning femininity and sexual agency.

Prohibition, a nationwide constitutional proscription on the production, importation, transportation, and retail of alcoholic beverages from 1920 to 1933, wielded a substantial influence on the cultural milieu of the 1920s. While ostensibly designed to curtail alcohol consumption, Prohibition inadvertently engendered a burgeoning clandestine liquor trade and the proliferation of speakeasies—covert drinking establishments where libations flowed freely. This epoch engendered not only the ascendance of organized criminal enterprises but also incubated a culture of defiance against federal mandates. Prohibition engendered a schism within American society, accentuating the schism between conservative rural enclaves and their more liberal urban counterparts.

Lastly, the 1920s emerged as a veritable heyday for mass amusement, particularly with the burgeoning prominence of Hollywood and the cinematic industry. The advent of “talkies,” motion pictures endowed with synchronized sound, heralded a revolution in cinematography, propelling luminaries such as Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton to cinematic stardom. The decade also witnessed the nascent inception of animations, epitomized by the debut of Walt Disney’s iconic character, Mickey Mouse, in 1928. Concurrently, the radio ascended as an indispensable facet of American domesticity; households congregated around the wireless apparatus to partake in news bulletins, dramatic recitals, comedic showcases, and live musical performances, forging communal bonds through a shared cultural milieu.

In summation, the cultural milieu of the 1920s was characterized by an amalgam of rebellion, emancipation, and innovation. From the jazz-infused melodies reverberating through music halls to the audacious declarations of the flapper cohort, and from the clandestine speakeasies that flouted Prohibition to the silver screens that gave voice to silent narratives, the Roaring Twenties unfolded as an epoch of metamorphosis that not only captivated America but also catalyzed and transformed it irrevocably. The epoch’s cultural metamorphoses mirrored broader societal transformations in the American fabric, many of which endure as enduring legacies shaping the contours of contemporary America.

Cite this page

The Culture of the 1920s in America. (2024, Apr 22). Retrieved from https://papersowl.com/examples/the-culture-of-the-1920s-in-america/

"The Culture of the 1920s in America." PapersOwl.com , 22 Apr 2024, https://papersowl.com/examples/the-culture-of-the-1920s-in-america/

PapersOwl.com. (2024). The Culture of the 1920s in America . [Online]. Available at: https://papersowl.com/examples/the-culture-of-the-1920s-in-america/ [Accessed: 23 Aug. 2024]

"The Culture of the 1920s in America." PapersOwl.com, Apr 22, 2024. Accessed August 23, 2024. https://papersowl.com/examples/the-culture-of-the-1920s-in-america/

"The Culture of the 1920s in America," PapersOwl.com , 22-Apr-2024. [Online]. Available: https://papersowl.com/examples/the-culture-of-the-1920s-in-america/. [Accessed: 23-Aug-2024]

PapersOwl.com. (2024). The Culture of the 1920s in America . [Online]. Available at: https://papersowl.com/examples/the-culture-of-the-1920s-in-america/ [Accessed: 23-Aug-2024]

Don't let plagiarism ruin your grade

Hire a writer to get a unique paper crafted to your needs.

Our writers will help you fix any mistakes and get an A+!

Please check your inbox.

You can order an original essay written according to your instructions.

Trusted by over 1 million students worldwide

1. Tell Us Your Requirements

2. Pick your perfect writer

3. Get Your Paper and Pay

Hi! I'm Amy, your personal assistant!

Don't know where to start? Give me your paper requirements and I connect you to an academic expert.

short deadlines

100% Plagiarism-Free

Certified writers

• History Classics
• Your Profile
• Find History on Facebook (Opens in a new window)
• Find History on Twitter (Opens in a new window)
• Find History on YouTube (Opens in a new window)
• Find History on Instagram (Opens in a new window)
• Find History on TikTok (Opens in a new window)
• This Day In History
• History Podcasts
• History Vault

Roaring Twenties

In the Roaring Twenties, a surging economy created an era of mass consumerism, as Jazz-Age flappers flouted Prohibition laws and the Harlem Renaissance redefined arts and culture.

The Roaring Twenties

The Roaring Twenties were a Jazz Age burst of prosperity and freedom for flappers and others during the Prohibition era, until the economy crashed in 1929.

Women’s Independence Multiple factors—political, cultural and technological—led to the rise of the flappers. During World War I, women entered the workforce in large numbers, receiving higher wages that many working women were not inclined to give up during peacetime. In August 1920, women’s independence took another step forward with the passage of the 19th Amendment, […]

Teapot Dome Scandal

The Teapot Dome Scandal of the 1920s shocked Americans by revealing an unprecedented level of greed and corruption within the federal government.

1921 Tulsa Race Massacre

Tulsa’s Black Wall Street In much of the country, the years following World War I saw a spike in racial tensions, including the resurgence of the white supremacist group the Ku Klux Klan, numerous lynchings and other acts of racially motivated violence, as well as efforts by African Americans to prevent such attacks on their […]

Warren Harding’s presidency was rocked by scandal, including one that didn’t come to light until after he left office.

Prohibition Raid

Police raid a garage in Chicago that contained five hundred and thirty‑seven barrels of alcoholic beverage, $30,000 worth of illegal drink.

18th and 21st Amendments

Did you know it wasn’t illegal to drink during Prohibition? Get the whole story behind the “noble experiment.”

Flashback: Scopes Monkey – Rare Footage of the “Trial of the Century”

The 1925 Scopes Monkey Trial was one of the most important legal battles of its time. Two of the greatest speakers of the era, Clarence Darrow and William Jennings Bryan, faced off in a debate encompassing science, religion, and Constitutional rights.

The Multiple Scandals of President Warren G. Harding

Hush money to mistresses, secret payments for an out‑of‑wedlock child and far‑reaching corruption tainted the 29th president’s legacy.

9 Entrepreneurs Who Helped Build Tulsa’s ‘Black Wall Street’

Before the Tulsa Race Massacre, the city’s African American district thrived as a community of business leaders and visionaries.

7 Writers of the Harlem Renaissance

These writers were part of the larger cultural movement centered in New York City’s Harlem neighborhood and offered complex portraits of Black life in America.

How Prohibition Put the ‘Organized’ in Organized Crime

Kingpins like Al Capone were able to rake in up to $100 million each year thanks to the overwhelming business opportunity of illegal booze.

This Day in History

Chanel No. 5 perfume launches

This Day in History Video: What Happened on February 14

This Day in History Video: What Happened on August 23

Charles lindbergh takes off across the atlantic in the spirit of st. louis, star of the silent screen rudolph valentino dies, sacco and vanzetti executed.

The Roaring 1920s Research Paper

• To find inspiration for your paper and overcome writer’s block
• As a source of information (ensure proper referencing)
• As a template for you assignment

Introduction

The icons of the roaring twenties, the mob in the united states, stock market crash of 1929, reference list.

The roaring 1920’s describes a period in the American history after World War I distinguished by significant socio-cultural changes, organized crimes and the great economic depression. Fashion entered the modern era with the trendy flipper fashion making a significant impression.

The film and music industry underwent a transformation with the introduction of sound featured films. The dance clubs gained popularity during this epoch often christened ‘the Jazz age.’ The 1920s period was marked with breaking away from traditions caused by the introduction of new fashion and dance.

At the same time, the 1920s era was marked by rise in the level of organized crime including the Mob who had much influence in the American society and government coupled with speculative investment that led to decline in stock prices causing a major economic depression.

The 1920s epoch was characterized by a flourishing nightlife in cities such as Chicago with many nightlife establishments hosting popular dance bands, dancing contests and life radiobroadcasts for the audience (Kyvig 2001, 234).

However, social evils such as prostitution and gambling flourished at the same time leading to prohibitive drinking laws in major cities. Dancing boomed in the 1920s with many social and ethnic groups attending nightly recreational dance halls popularly known as cabarets. The cabarets were influential to the majority of fashionable middle class.

The nightclubs combined fashionable jazz music, public dance halls that hosted dancing competitions, and beer gardens for drinking. The nightlife flourished despite prohibition from the council authorities regulating drinking. Prostitution and gambling arose with the active nightlife

The entertainment industry including the film industry flourished in the 1920’s with a rise of music stars and motion picture production (O’Neal 2005, 58). The film industry’s relocation to Los Angeles facilitated the rise of Hollywood movie stars who lived luxurious lifestyles and had a lot of fanatical support.

This marked the Golden era of Hollywood. Silent films were predominant in the early twenties but all this changed in 1927 with the introduction of the jazz singer, Al Jolsen. Before then, stars of silent films like Greta Garbo and Charlie Chaplin were the only brilliant entertainers of the early 1920s.

Buster Keaton is another comedian star of the silent films before the invention of the talkies that transformed the film industry. The genres of the films included war, romance, biblical stories performed by Cecil Demille and silent comedies.

The fashion of the 1920s was marked by the introduction of the flipper fashions, new hairstyles that were a breakaway from the traditional past and the jazz music. The flapper fashion and hairstyles faced resistance from older generation up to 1925 when the new fashion was embraced contributing to significant transformation of the 1920s. The flapper dresses were short, unlike the traditional long Victoria-like dresses. The flappers also wore stockings and makeup unlike the traditional mode of dressing.

The 1920s saw the rise of organized criminal gangs in the American Society. ‘The American Mafia’, also called the ‘Mob’ arose with the aim of offering protection to the immigrant community without the involvement of the police or local authorities (Dickie 2004, 125).

The 1920s National prohibition to regulate drinking gave rise to organized gangs with national and international connections. Enforcement of the prohibition legislation faced opposition from notorious gangs such as the Al Capone’s mob of Chicago. The efforts to stop drug smuggling were deterred by organized smugglers with support from corrupt government officials and other international gangs.

The roaring 1920s decade was a period of wealth and economic prosperity especially in the manufacturing industry; for instance, “the automobile output increased exponentially between 1925 and 1929 period” (Henretta and Brody 2010, 67).

Business earnings also increased sharply during this period and the middle-class became wealthier investing in residential homes especially in Florida. However, towards the end of this decade, “a slump in share prices in New York Stock Exchange led to a major financial crisis that halted the flourishing economy” (Lange 2007, 81).

This crash is the infamous 1929 ‘Great Depression’ which led to business uncertainty affecting job security of American workers. Because of decline in stock prices, many investors faced financial difficulties that led to shut down of many businesses and resultant mass unemployment. This affected all industries including the then booming film industry.

New economic policies developed by the new administration helped to overcome the effects of the great depression. The economic recovery programs; known as the New Deal, allowed the federal government participation in social and economic projects of the citizens.

The New Deal led to the establishment of democratic governance that enhanced support for individual and community rights for all citizens. Before the 1929 stock market slump, the stock prices were rising which attracted huge investments. However, speculations over instability of the stock market led to panic selling of the shares causing the prices to go down.

The decade of 1920s was an era of break away from traditional lifestyles into modernity. Introduction of trendy fashions like flappers, jazz music and musical bands were popular in this era. The film industry underwent a major transformation with the relocation of the movie industry to Hollywood and the innovation of ‘talkies’ in sound films.

However, the roaring era faced threats from organized criminal gangs like the Mafia that increased insecurity in cities. In addition, the stock market slumping of 1929 affected the flourishing investment industry affecting the lives of many Americans.

Dickie, John. 2004. Cosa Nostra: A History of the Sicilian Mafia . New York: Palgrave Macmillan.

Henretta, James, and Brody, David. 2010. America: A Concise History, Volume ll: Since1877 . Fourth Edition. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin’s.

Kyvig, David E. 2001. Daily Life in the United States, 1920-1939: Decades of Promise & Pain . Westport: Greenwood Press.

Lange, Brenda. 2007. Milestones in American History: Stock Market Crash of 1929: The End of Prosperity. London: Chelsea House.

O’Neal, Michael J. 2005. America in the 1920s. London: Chelsea House.

• American Upper-Middle Class Leisure and Consumption
• Comparison of Working Poor Class in Jacksonian and Present Day America
• Roaring Dragon Hotel: The Case Study
• American Society in the 1920s
• The Culture Wars in the United States of America
• Shay's rebellion
• The Southern Argument for Slavery
• The meaning of the word "freedom" in the context of the 1850s!
• Concepts of Bill Clinton
• Free Speech: First Amendment
• Chicago (A-D)
• Chicago (N-B)

IvyPanda. (2018, September 10). The Roaring 1920s. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-roaring-1920s/

"The Roaring 1920s." IvyPanda , 10 Sept. 2018, ivypanda.com/essays/the-roaring-1920s/.

IvyPanda . (2018) 'The Roaring 1920s'. 10 September.

IvyPanda . 2018. "The Roaring 1920s." September 10, 2018. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-roaring-1920s/.

1. IvyPanda . "The Roaring 1920s." September 10, 2018. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-roaring-1920s/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "The Roaring 1920s." September 10, 2018. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-roaring-1920s/.

Home — Essay Samples — History — Contemporary History — 1920S

Essays on 1920s

The 1920s was a time of significant change and transformation in the United States, making it an ideal subject for research and exploration. From the Roaring Twenties to the Great Depression, there are countless fascinating topics to delve into from this era. Writing an essay on 1920s research topics allows you to not only learn about an important period in history but also to develop critical thinking and analytical skills.

When choosing a topic for your essay on 1920s research topics, it's important to consider your interests and the specific requirements of the assignment. You may want to focus on a particular aspect of the 1920s, such as social changes, cultural developments, or economic trends. Consider the availability of primary and secondary sources for your chosen topic to ensure that you have enough material to support your arguments.

For an argumentative essay on 1920s research topics, you could explore controversial issues such as Prohibition, women's rights, or the impact of technological advancements. Some possible topics include the effects of Prohibition on society, the role of women in the workforce during the 1920s, or the influence of mass media on public opinion.

In a cause and effect essay on 1920s research topics, you could examine the causes and consequences of events like the stock market crash, the rise of organized crime, or the Harlem Renaissance. Topics might include the impact of the stock market crash on American families, the causes of the Great Depression, or the effects of the Harlem Renaissance on African American culture.

For an opinion essay on 1920s research topics, you could express your views on issues such as consumer culture, immigration policies, or the changing role of women. Possible topics include the impact of consumerism on American society, the benefits and drawbacks of immigration policies in the 1920s, or the changing perceptions of gender roles during this time.

In an informative essay on 1920s research topics, you could provide an overview of important events, key figures, or cultural movements from the era. Topics might include the impact of the Jazz Age on popular culture, the contributions of prominent figures such as F. Scott Fitzgerald or Langston Hughes, or the economic changes that occurred during the 1920s.

Example thesis statements for an essay on 1920s research topics could include "The 1920s was a decade of significant social and cultural change," "The economic boom of the 1920s led to widespread prosperity but also contributed to the Great Depression," or "The 1920s marked a turning point in American history, with lasting effects on society and culture."

Dance in The 1920s: a Cultural Revolution on The Floor

Murder in the 1920s: a societal and legal perspective, made-to-order essay as fast as you need it.

Each essay is customized to cater to your unique preferences

+ experts online

The 1920’s – a Decade of Social Change

Prohibition era and organized crime in america, music of the 1920's: ragtime, jazz and blues, new inventions developed in the 1920's, let us write you an essay from scratch.

• 450+ experts on 30 subjects ready to help
• Custom essay delivered in as few as 3 hours

Understanding The Impact of The T Ford Model in Society

The key role of theodore roosevelt in the development of progressivism in 1900 to 1920's america, only yesterday by fredrick lewis allen review, german americans and prohibition era in the united states, get a personalized essay in under 3 hours.

Expert-written essays crafted with your exact needs in mind

Louis Armstrong: Role Model for Younger African Americans in 1920s

The main factors of the us economic boom of 1920s, the 1920s and the american dream essay, transportation in the 1920s, life in the 1920s: change and innovation in american society, the roaring 20s in america: the transformative era, the impact of 1920s cars on american society, the importance of wealth in the 1920s, 1920s heroes, gender roles in the 1920s, the flapper phenomenon: a book analysis, effects of entertainment in the 1920s.

1 January 1920 – 31 December 1929

In North America, it is frequently referred to as the "Roaring Twenties" or the "Jazz Age". In Europe the period is referred to as the "Golden Twenties". The 1920s featured prosperity and carefree living for many because of the economic boom following World War I. The decade began with a roar and ended with a crash.

The major wars and conflicts of the decade were: Turkish War of Independence, Unification of Saudi Arabia, Irish War of Independence, Russian Civil War, Polish–Soviet War. Also, radical political movements such as communism and fascism increased.

1920s was a decade of economic growth and widespread prosperity. The era began in leading metropolitan centers and spread widely in the aftermath of World War I. On October 29, 1929, economic boom ended by "Black Tuesday" when the stock market crashes.

In 1925, John Logie Baird invented the first working mechanical television system. Later, in 1928, he invented the first color television. In 1928, Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin.

The 1920s saw a vast expansion of Hollywood film making. "Mickey Mouse", was the first animated short film released by Walt Disney in 1928. Jazz and jazz-influenced dance music became very popular. The start of surrealist movement in art throughout the decade.

Relevant topics

• Jack The Ripper
• 20Th Century
• 19Th Century
• Mother Teresa
• Roaring Twenties
• Green Revolution

By clicking “Check Writers’ Offers”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy . We’ll occasionally send you promo and account related email

No need to pay just yet!

We use cookies to personalyze your web-site experience. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .

• Instructions Followed To The Letter
• Deadlines Met At Every Stage
• Unique And Plagiarism Free

• The 1920s /
• Discussion & Essay Questions

Cite This Source

Available to teachers only as part of the teaching the roaring twentiesteacher pass, teaching the roaring twenties teacher pass includes:.

• Assignments & Activities
• Reading Quizzes
• Current Events & Pop Culture articles
• Challenges & Opportunities
• Related Readings in Literature & History

Sample of Discussion & Essay Questions

Politics lens.

• Why did the Republican Party dominate national politics during the decade?
• What was attractive about "normalcy"?
• What was wrong with the Democrats?
• What lesson might political parties learn from their dysfunction?
• Why do political parties periodically find it difficult to avoid this sort of internal division?
• What statistics support these conclusions?
• Must “pro-business” policies always lead to these sorts of divergent results (economic growth, maldistribution of income)? Why or why not?
• Was it the fault of Harding or of his pro-business policies? Explain.

Tired of ads?

Logging out…, logging out....

You've been inactive for a while, logging you out in a few seconds...

W hy's T his F unny?