Notes on the Lecture: The Roaring 20s

Introduction

• Overview of the 1920s as a pivotal decade in American history.
• Cultural and social changes were prevalent, particularly in urban settings like New York City.

Prohibition Era

• The 18th Amendment prohibited alcohol sales and consumption, leading to widespread disregard for the law.
• Speakeasies emerged as clandestine bars, often overseen by organized crime.
• Prohibition symbolized the 1920s' defiance against traditional norms.

Urbanization and Cultural Shift

• The 1920s marked a movement from rural to urban living, with more Americans residing in cities than rural areas for the first time.
• Cultural landmarks:
  • Broadway: Epitome of American entertainment.
  • Madison Avenue: Center of advertising, shaping consumer fantasies.
  • Wall Street: Symbol of economic opportunity and prosperity.

Social Changes and the Jazz Age

• The emergence of jazz music defined the decade, with notable figures like Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington.
• Harlem Renaissance: A cultural movement showcasing African American art, literature, and music.
• Women gained independence, marked by the 19th Amendment granting them the right to vote.
• Flappers: Represented the shift in women's social roles with more freedom in lifestyle and fashion.

Technology and Consumerism

• Advances in technology, particularly electricity and automobiles, transformed daily life.
• The rise of consumer credit enabled Americans to purchase goods on installment plans.
• Radio became a significant medium, uniting the nation through shared experiences.

Clash of Ideals

• Traditional values clashed with modern scientific ideas, exemplified by the Scopes Trial in 1925, which debated evolution vs. creationism.
• The Ku Klux Klan gained prominence, reflecting a backlash against social changes and immigration.

Sports and Celebrity Culture

• The decade saw the rise of sports heroes, most notably Babe Ruth in baseball, symbolizing American success and aspiration.
• Aviation milestones, particularly Charles Lindbergh's solo flight across the Atlantic, inspired national pride.

Economic Boom and Subsequent Crash

• The 1920s experienced an economic boom, culminating in widespread stock market speculation.
• The stock market crash of October 29, 1929, marked the end of the decade's optimism and initiated the Great Depression.
• Many lost their savings and faced dire economic hardships; the social consequences were profound.

Conclusion

• The 1920s set the stage for significant cultural, social, and economic changes in America, leading to the challenges of the 1930s.
• The legacy of the Roaring 20s continues to influence American society today.