Revisiting the Roaring Twenties: Key Cultural Changes in the 1920s
The 1920s marks a significant period in the United States’ history – famously known as the “Roaring Twenties.” Although the decade was notorious for the Prohibition era, flapper dresses, and jazz music, it was also a time of immense cultural changes that still impact society nowadays.
The Harlem Renaissance
One of the most notable cultural changes in the 1920s was the rise of the Harlem Renaissance. African Americans in the Harlem neighborhood of New York City began to produce, support, and celebrate their cultural contributions, including literature, music, art, and politics.
Poets such as Langston Hughes and Countee Cullen, authors like Zora Neale Hurston and Nella Larsen, and musicians including Duke Ellington and Louis Armstrong created works that revolutionized American arts. The Harlem Renaissance also greatly influenced the Civil Rights Movement, paving the way for future African American social and artistic expression.
Women’s Rights
The 1920s marked an important era for women’s rights in America. The passing of the 19th Amendment in 1920 granted women the right to vote, enabling them to exercise their political power.
Additionally, the decade saw women beginning to enter the workforce in large numbers, particularly after World War I. Women worked as teachers, typists, and telephone operators, and also had more opportunities to pursue higher education.
In popular culture, the flapper dress became an iconic symbol of the liberated woman, with shorter hemlines and hairstyles reflecting a break from traditional gender roles.
Prohibition and Organized Crime
Prohibition, the nationwide ban on the production and sale of alcoholic beverages, led to an increase in illegal criminal activity, including bootlegging, smuggling, and speakeasies.
Organized crime figures like Al Capone became famously wealthy and powerful by supplying alcohol to people willing to break the law. Despite the efforts of law enforcement agencies, Prohibition significantly changed American drinking culture and ultimately led to its repeal in 1933.
The Consumer Culture
The 1920s also marked the beginning of the consumer culture, where people became more interested in material goods and commercialism. Businesses began to advertise their products through new and exciting mediums, such as radio and cinema, marking the start of modern marketing strategies.
New technologies like refrigerators, washing machines, and vacuum cleaners made household chores easier, freeing up women’s time to pursue other interests. The proliferation of department stores allowed consumers to purchase a wider range of products, including clothing and makeup.
Conclusion
The cultural changes of the 1920s left a lasting impact on American society. The rise of the Harlem Renaissance, expansion of women’s rights, and shift towards a consumer culture remain significant factors that continue to shape the country today. By examining the ups and downs of this remarkable decade, we can gain valuable insight to inform our own cultural evolution.
