Context Flashcards
Published
1925
Cars
Becoming increasingly popular. A symbol of glamour and wealth.
Prohibition
1920 to 1933
Bootlegging
People made illegal fortunes from being bootleggers which was smuggling alcohol into America from abroad.
Advertising
Becoming a major industry and billboards were set up at roadways.
Young people
Being associated with wild parties, drinking and promiscuous behaviour.
War
1914 to 1918.
Reaction to War.
The self-indulgent and extravagant behaviour was a reaction to the hardship experienced during WW1, People wanted to forget about War and have fun.
The American Dream
You can achieve your dreams through hard work. It caused migrants to flock to America but employers took advantage of this and made them work harder and longer.
The American Dream Evolved
It quickly evolved into the idea of getting rich quickly through whatever means possible.
Lifestyle
Th Americans were able to enjoy an affluent and leisurely lifestyle, more so than ever before
Failure of Gatsby’s Dream
Foreshadows the Wall Street Crash. The capitalist excesses of the 1920s would feed and shape the depressed conditions of the decade to follow.
African-Americans
Were at the bottom of the economic ladder.
F Scott Fitzgerald was the first to:
Praise the postwar era for the youth’s new form of recreation and sexuality.
The older generation
Became shocked by the new generation’s morals and manners.
Flapper Girl
Heavy makeup, skirts above ankles, drank beer, smoke and drove automobiles. Replaced the Victorian virtues of womenhood.
Modernist
Replaced the traditionalist. Modernists felt that the Victorian attitudes of the older generation had stifled expression and creativity.
Amount of Automobiles.
Turn of 20th century= 8000 in US
By 1920 there were 8 million
Consumerism
Meant that Americans were able to enjoy a more affluent and leisurely lifestyle than any previous time.
View of Traditionalists on Jazz Music
Thought that it was exerting a corrupt influence on the morals of the Youth.
Tabloid Journalism
The decade saw the rise of tabloid journalism, scandals and affairs stole the headlines from more serious events, showing a new sense of values.
Lack of Social Enlightenment
Growth in popularity of eugenics, a “science” that asserted the superiority of whites and their right to rule “lesser” races. There were also lyncings of African-Americans in the South.
Attitudes to Women
Despite their sexual liberation as portrayed in films and magazines, remained gender segregated underpaid and politically isolated.
Alcohol at Gatsby’s parties
Indicates that he must have questionable associates in order to obtain such liquor
