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Cultural Change of the 1920s - Coggle Diagram
Cultural Change of the 1920s
Women's Attitudes
With the vote and increased economic power, women asserted themselves. Though many women remained the primary caretakers for families, many believed that the time had come for women to be equal with men in every area of society.
More women went to college during the 1920s than ever before.
Some young women rejected traditional expectations for appearance and lifestyle.They cut their hair short and wore short dresses and makeup.These rebellious young women, known as flappers, met with disapproval from Americans with more traditional beliefs.
Alcohol Prohibition
Many states passed their own prohibition laws. In 1919, the 18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was passed, making it illegal to produce, sell, or transport alcoholic beverages in the United States.
Large smuggling operations developed, and distributers began illegally shipping alcohol from Canada and other nations. These smugglers, known as bootleggers, sold alcohol to nightclub owners who ran "speakeasies." These places were illegal bars where alcohol could be bought.
Eventually, the government determined that the law was not enforceable. The 18th Amendment was repealed by the 21st Amendment in 1933.
Harlem Renaissance
The surge of creativity in Harlem became known as the Harlem Renaissance. The 1920s were a time when African American musicians, writers, and painters flourished. The contributions of these pioneers changed American culture.
Harlem became the center of the most famous symbol of the 1920s, jazz music. Jazz is a musical style that originated among African Americans in the South. Perhaps the most famous jazz musician of the 1920s was trumpeter Louis Armstrong.
Art and architecture
Visual artists also explored new territory during the 1920s. The style of architecture called art deco became popular among many architects. The Chrysler Building in New York City is a famous example of art deco style. Painters Edward Hopper and Georgia O'Keeffe were well known for paintings of modern urban life in the United States.
Writers
The social changes of the 1920s provided American artists and writers with material for their work. Like the writers of the Harlem Renaissance, other American authors focused on American life during this period. F. Scott Fitzgerald, Sinclair Lewis, and Edith Wharton produced fiction that focused on themes such as the horrors of World War I and the growth of consumerism in the United States.
One poet, Gertrude Stein, referred to the generation of young adults consumed by consumerism as the "lost generation." That label caught on and the writers of the time also became known as the Lost Generation.
Music
Young Americans spent leisure time dancing. Dances such as the Charleston were popular. Blues, another form of African American music that developed in the South, also became popular during the period
Bessie Smith was a well-known blues singer of the 1920s. One of her biggest hits that year was "Down Hearted Blues." She went on to perform with many jazz greats, including Louis Armstrong and Benny Goodman.
Movies
Movies also became popular during the 1920s. People crowded into theaters to watch westerns, dramas, and slapstick comedies.
The shared experiences with both radio programs and film created a new aspect of American culture—the entertainment industry
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