Context 2 Flashcards
What impact did WW1 (1914-1918) have on people in the 1920s?
People wanted to forget the horrors of the War and relax and have fun. Many people had lost loved ones. Americans wanted to focus their energies on finding pleasure and comfort, and forget their emotional and social scars. Society was submerged in disillusionment, scepticism, cultural experimentation and hedonism.
What was the Older Generation’s reaction?
The older generation became shocked by the new generation’s morals and manners. Victorian virtues of womenhood were replaced by the ‘Flapper Girl’. The ‘modernist’ began to replace the ‘traditionalist’ and ‘modernists’ felt like the older generation’s attitudes stifled self-expression and creativity.
What was the ‘Flapper Girl’?
Wore heavy makeup, skirts above the ankles, drank beer, smoked and drove automobiles.
What happened regarding Consumerism?
There was a huge increase in consumerism, particularly with the automobile (which stimulated US economy more than any other industry). Ended monopoly of leisure travel by upper classes.
What happened regarding Mass Production?
Products with mass production were spreading throughout America at an alarming speed; sewing machines, dishwashers and washing machines transformed the domestic household. Americans were able to enjoy a more affluent and leisurely lifestyle then any previous time.
Where did Jazz Music originate?
New Orleans among African-Amerians. It was viewed by traditionalists by exerting a corrupting influence on the morals or Youth.
What new values did the decade see to?
There was a rise of tabloid journalism, scandals and affairs stole the headlines from more serious events. People were acting more foolish and careless.
What was the economy like?
Incomes improved for middle and upper classes, however not for those who lived in poverty. Many without food and running water. African Americans and other minorities were at the bottom of the economic ladder. Their poverty was chronic, regardless of location.
What was the situation like regarding Social Enlightenment (Racism)?
There was a complete lack of social enlightenment. Nationwide resurgence of the KKK, growth in popularity of eugenics, a “science” that asserted the superiority of the whites and their right to rule “lesser races”. Lynchings of African Americans in the South.
What was the situation like regarding Social Enlightenment (Women)?
Women, despite their sexual liberation as potrayed in movies and magazines (Myrtle) remained gender segregated, underpaid and politically isolated (Myrtle’s fate).
Summary
The jazz age marked the arrival of mass culture, a popular culture shaped by mass production, mass consumption and mass media. However, the capitalist excesses of the 1920s would ultimately feed and arguably shape the depressed conditions of the decade that was to follow.
What was the date of Prohibition?
1920-1933.
Prohibition & The Great Gatsby
The amount of alcohol available at Gatsby’s parties indicates that he must have questionable associations in order to obtain such liquor (and wealth).
What were the laws regarding alcoholism?
Owning and drinking alcohol was legal, but importing it from another county was illegal and so was transporting it throughout the US.
Why were there laws regarding alcoholism?
The laws were designed to increase the health of Americans whilst decreasing alcoholism, corruption and crime. However, the Prohibition only amplified crime in cities such as Chicago.
