The roaring twenties are known for the social and political changes in America. There was many people living in the cities which were considered to be more modern. Of course, there were still people that lived on farms. The roaring twenties are known for their huge economic growth. This was when credit was introduced, the idea of "buy now pay later". This allowed people to buy things like goods and luxuries with credit. Credit was not the only new idea in the 20s. There was other technologies that helped the economy as well as helped make the lives of many American's easier. These new technologies included things like electricity, motor vehicles, bridges, tunnels, and of course radios which would become a necessity in American culture.
The 1920s was also a progress when it came to women. This was the time in which women now learned to live for themselves rather than for only their husband and kids. Women began to show more skin, in other words wear clothes that were more revealing. Some women were know as "flappers" who were more free but had a limit to what they did as women, and other as "vamps"who had no limit to what they did. Women began to drink (although prohibited by law to everyone) and smoke as well as earned the right to vote thanks to the 19th amendment in 1920. Jobs were now more open to women as well and even allowed them to receive an income in which women could use their money in any way they desired once finished taking care of the basic needs.
Jazz also became a Huge part of the 1900s. Entertainment became a demand for the American people and many enjoyed Jazz. At this time "Harlem" became very popular because it was where Jazz music as well as performances were found. People at this time would save up their money for many months in order to take a trip to Harlem.
Of course, the roaring 20s had a negative side to it. There were many contradictions between people and many disputes. One of the main topics that caused people to argue was between religion and science. At this time, scientists and scholars began to question the bible based on the laws of nature. Some of those people who examined the bible were religious as well and meant no harm rather wanted to give people more knowledge. Of course, this caused confusion in those who had believed every word of the bible to be true. A man named Charles Briggs was taken to trial because he was accused of teaching Darwin's theory( idea of evolution and science) in schools. This was not the only major conflict in the 20s. The Klu Klux Klan emerged once again and regained millions of followers. They were against Jews, Blacks, anyone who was no American or had American style/ culture ideas. They gained much political power that would collapse in a matter of time.
I really like how you did not focus on solely one aspect of the decade, rather you provided the reader with a thorough overview of the decade and the multiple perspectives of historians toward identifying this period in America. I do think, however, that it is important to describe how the twenties reached its conclusion to show the dramatic and ugly finale to the progressive decade. Overall, excellent work!
ReplyDeleteI liked how you showed every aspect of the 20's and also mentioned the negative side of the argument. I also liked how you talked about the use of credit because it revolutionized how people consumed products in american, and it is a point sometimes overlooked by people writing about the 20's.
ReplyDeleteGreat Post! I disagree however on your interpretation of a negative side to the roaring twenties. I believe that the new progressive movements such as questioning the bible and utilizing logic can be seen as beneficial to society. I believe the real negative side to this decade was the rural struggle. The farmers feared the future yet still wanted to reap the benefits that the future brought. This leads to the emergence of other problems such as the KKK
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