The 'Roaring Twenties'

The 1920s was a time of change. This evolution was known as the “Roaring Twenties” and took place during 1920-1929. It typically took place in American cities. However, it began in metropolitan cities such as Chicago, New Orleans, New York City and Philadelphia. This evolution began spreading right after World War 1. The Twenties’ was a time of social, artistic, and cultural dynamism. This was basically a time where a big change occurred and was likely to change American society as well.  Many people at that time broke tradition and did things on their own freely. New music, technologies, and inventions blossomed during this period. Jazz was a very popular form of music. It was ‘new’ and ‘different’ and enjoyed by young people. The 18th amendment was ratified by congress, which prohibited the selling of alcoholic beverages. Many Americans rebelled against society’s law by going to speakeasies and drank there. Congress passed the 19th amendment which allowed women the right to vote for the very first time. The role of the woman also changed dramatically. The term ‘flapper’ emphasized the change of womanhood. This allowed women to cut their hair short, wore skirts above the knee, wore make-up, went out to night clubs where they drank, smoked, and danced. Most people in the society despised this kind of behavior from women. But, eventually, they later on accepted that women can also be independent and make their own choices. The growth of new technologies also became popular in this era. Radio stations developed, increasing the number of radios in every household. Television and moving pictures also developed drastically. Prior to radio and television, many people gained their knowledge through printed materials and books that defined the period. Some examples include, “The Great Gatsby” written by F. Scott Fitzgerald. This novel defined the American dream that any person can achieve anything. Another example is another novel written by T.S. Eliot called “The Wasteland”, which explains the reflection of the modern world’s loss of values. The 1920’s was one of the most important events of history because it was the time when it changed American society.