Reshaping American Culture During The 1920's

The influence of 1920 mass culture deserves some consideration in the shaping of the country although the commercial growth of the 1920s did not really Americanize working- class Chicagoans as deeply and as quickly as one would think. It is quite evident that mass culture by itself did not actually modernized American society in the1920s; it was more how mass culture was consumed that really had the greatest impact on ethnic workers. Despite many Americans changing the way they purchased goods and services, nowhere was that change more evident than in the middle class communities. On the contrary workers from the manufacturing sectors did not benefit equally from the growing wealth during the 1920s. The decade had failed to remove economic uncertainty with unemployment remaining high and the fear of not finding a job or losing a job forcing workers to focus on economic security rather than spending.

Thoreau and Douglass have both identified urgent problems within American culture during the mid 19th century. Thoreau feels the empathy of farmers as they are chained or enslaved to their own farms just as much as prisoners are chained in jails. He believes that the 4 necessities needed in American society is food, shelter, clothing, and fuel because nature provides all of these. That any luxury would be a hindrance to an individual’s lifestyle as it correlates to the American culture that lacks the Self-reliance in living as a American. Meanwhile Frederick Douglass sees the brutality of slavery and the heavy discrimination of African Americans in American society. He sees that America lacks key responsibilities as a nation for it doesn’t have support of mutual aid, reciprocity, and commitment to an ideal within America.

Life in America dramatically changed during the decade of the 1920s, which marks a turning point in American history. Among these changes included the creation of new laws, which controlled major aspects of society. To continue, not only did the creation of these new laws contribute to the dramatic changes of life in America, but the changes in music, the roles and views of women in society, and entertainment had a big impact, as well. As a result, everyone living during this time period was affected in one way or another. The wide range of changes that took place in America’s society during the 1920s, has ultimately made this decade notorious for influencing culture in America because of the “anything goes” attitude the people developed.

By the end of World War I (WWI) in 1918, America as a whole was changing. Over the last eighteen years, Henry Ford had released the Model T car, the Wright Brothers flew an airplane, and women were demanding more rights. America entered WWI in 1917 and came out strong, but lost billions of dollars and thousands of military men. By the time the 1920’s came around, Americans wanted to forget the horrors of the war and began to be more carefree. They put large amounts of money in the stock market and bought property using margin buying, which promoted a happier lifestyle of new technologies and ways of entertainment. All the inflated money in the stock market came crashing down in October 1929, changing America’s economy and culture for the

Change in a society is only accomplished after you change your mindset. You can not change if your mind is stuck in an old way of thinking. The country was celebrating the end of “The Great War” and was in need of a drastic change. The 1920s formed the beginning of a distinct era. The Roaring 20’s were about living life to the fullest, this era was a time of change.

After the World War I, United States emerged as an economically superior country due to the massive debts Europe owed it. During the early 1900s standard of living improved, and the country was moving through a success-filled phase, known as the “roaring twenties.” Not only did the United States enhance its lifestyle and economy, but it also brought corruption and malice into the new era. On one hand, the new technology prospered due to innovative advertising, but on the other hand, fraud was common and lead to serious movements. For instance, flappers, who were “rebellious” women, known as the icons of this period, sparked “uproars” and were responsible for creating to some extent alike morals for both genders through their much more boisterous nature.

The 1920s was a decade of exhilarating societal changes and reflective cultural conflicts in the nation. For many Americans, the expansion of cities ignited the ascend of a consumer culture, the upsurge of mass entertainment, changes in the religious and moral climate, the boiling tensions of the black racial movement and the changing role of women in society. The United States was going through a cultural civil war where traditional values conflicted with an era of modernity.

The start of the 1920s introduced a new era. It was an era of rebellion new to the American people. It is characterized by the new and exciting cultural and social changes throughout America. The most notable changes are in the areas of fashion, movies and radio, and in the general life at home.

During the period of the 1920s the “American way of life” was redefined because of the rapid growth of technology. The 20s where a time where the idea of “making things easier” came about in the American society. The mass production of cars made it easier to get around. Telephones, radios, and television made communication easier for the consumer but also the companies putting out products. Washing machines, vacuum cleaners made it less time consuming to do household chores and gave women more time to do other things. The idea of credit made it much easier to obtain these products without having to have the money right away.

American economy grew at an accelerated rate during the 1920s. The economy was led by an explosion in mass production and sales of new consumerism. This new consumer cultural valued leisure, self-expression, and self-indulgence. In this essay I will analyze the major cultural and social trends of the 1920s. I will discuss what movements became prominent during this period, and what challenges these movements faced.

From this week’s reading the most important event for woman was the Female Liberation. During the 1920’s “The Culture of Modernity” occurred and the “modern woman” developed. “The modern woman was typified by shorter hair and hemlines, and the ability to work in the white-collar workplace.” The actress Clara Bow and Jazz music contributed to Female Liberation movement. During Clara Bow’s performance in the movie “It Girl” her imagine of “bobbed hair, short skirts, and flirtatious behavior personified the flapper image that many women emulated.” The actress Clara Bow set the trend for the Flapper Girl and became “the sex symbol of the age.” The influence of the flapper girl imagine helped make it more socially acceptable for women to drink,

Entertainment and literature in American culture from the 1920s to the 1930s experienced plenty of changes. Along with the changing economy and society, entertainment and literature took on new looks. With the rise of the stock market, the 1920s American culture experienced a newfound materialism and began to spend and consume more than ever. Americans enjoyed particular types of literature and entertainment. In literature, novels often portrayed the corruption in America.

During the time of the 1920’s America experienced many social and cultural changes that shaped the way society is viewed today. Things like fashion, people, and entertainment expanded, making the 1920’s decade full of new and exciting experiences. The people in the nineteen-twenties took a great amount of pleasure in the new forms of entertainment that were being introduced. These people would spend time and money to watch movies about amusing and carefree things that would take them away from reality. That was until David Griffith released a movie that “changed the history of American cinema” (Stokes). Originally known as The Clansman, then renamed The Birth of a Nation, Griffith’s movie started a revolution unlike anything ever seen before. This cinematic adventure not only depicted the Ku Klux Klan as “would-be heroes” (The Birth of a Nation), but also pushed the limits of movie making which cause divergent reactions throughout the world.

America today it is painting, made from Ten panels: Egg tempera with oil glazing over Permalba on a gesso ground on linen mounted to wood panels with a honeycomb interior. Its dimensions are; a: 92 x 160 in. (233.7 x 406.4 cm)b: 92 x 134 1/2 in. (233.7 x 341.6cm). c: 92 x 134 1/2 in. (233.7 x 341.6 cm). d: 92 x 117 in. (233.7 x 297.2 cm) e: 92 x 117 in. (233.7 x 297.2 cm) f: 92 x 117 in. (233.7 x 297.2 cm) g: 92 x 117 in. (233.7 x 297.2 cm) h: 92 x 117 in. (233.7 x 297.2 cm) i: 92 x 117 in. (233.7 x 297.2 cm) j: 17 1/8 x 97 in. (43.5 x 246.4 cm).

During the 1920’s people had a wide view of cultural and societal issues. From Racism being the most predominant social issue to cultural issues such as people sneaking in alcohol. Many people facing problems as to where to buy a drink and trying to fight for the rights promised yet not upheld buy Racism in America. Now looking and reading through our monologues we are able to see a new or a deeper look into self-issues and issues that weren’t talked about.