Social and Cultural Developments in the 1920s

This section explores the many social and cultural developments in America during the 1920’s. The 1920s in the United States, often referred to as the "Roaring Twenties," was a decade of rapid social and cultural change. The economic prosperity of the time gave Americans more disposable income and free time, leading to a flourishing of new forms of cultural expression, entertainment, and evolving social norms. At the same time, changes to laws and standards challenged traditional values, particularly regarding gender roles, race, and lifestyle.

Cinema: A New Form of Entertainment

The cinema industry became one of the most popular forms of entertainment in the 1920s. By 1929, Hollywood’s film studios were producing over 500 films annually. Going to the cinema was an activity enjoyed by millions, and it became a staple of modern leisure.

• Hollywood's Golden Age: The industry’s growth was powered by the increasing popularity of films. Stars like Charlie Chaplin, known for his silent film performances, and Clara Bow, the “It Girl” of the silent film era, became household names. These actors became icons in American popular culture.
• The Rise of 'Talkies': The 1920s also saw the birth of sound films, or "talkies," which revolutionised the film industry. In 1927, The Jazz Singer, the first full-length film to feature synchronised spoken dialogue, was released. This marked the beginning of a new era in cinema, attracting even more audiences. By the middle of the decade, cinema attendance had soared, with approximately 50 million people attending films each week;  roughly half of the country’s population.

Jazz: The Sound of a New Era

Jazz music, largely developed by African American musicians, became a defining feature of the 1920s cultural landscape. Emerging in the vibrant city of New Orleans in the early part of the century, jazz spread rapidly to other urban areas, particularly as African Americans moved northward during the Great Migration.

• The Jazz Age: Jazz was not just a music genre but a cultural movement that captured the energy and excitement of the era. The music’s lively rhythms and improvisational style appealed to young people across all social classes. It became synonymous with the spirit of the decade—spontaneous, modern, and daring. Major cities like Chicago and New York became hubs for jazz, and jazz bands, such as those led by musicians like Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington, gained national recognition.
• Dancing and Nightlife: The jazz craze was accompanied by the rise of new dances such as the Charleston, the tango, and the black bottom. These dances became popular in clubs and social settings, with young people flocking to speakeasies and jazz clubs, where they could dance, drink, and enjoy the nightlife. The music and its associated lifestyle became symbols of a new, liberated generation.

The Changing Position of Women in Society

The 1920s saw significant changes in the role of women in American society. Many women had contributed to the workforce during World War I, filling roles traditionally occupied by men who were away at war. This shift in labour, combined with the changing social landscape, helped to challenge and redefine women’s societal roles.

• Women’s Right to Vote: One of the most significant political changes for women was the passage of the 19th Amendment in 1920, which granted women the right to vote. This was a major victory for the women’s suffrage movement, but it did not fully address the challenges that many women, particularly African American, Native American, and immigrant women, faced in terms of access to voting. In many states, laws like literacy tests still prevented disadvantaged women from exercising their new rights.
• Flappers: Breaking Social Norms: One of the most visible symbols of women's changing roles during the 1920s was the rise of the flapper. Flappers were young women, mostly from urban, middle- and upper-class backgrounds, who embraced a new and more liberated lifestyle. They wore shorter skirts, rising from the knee in 1927 to the upper calf, cut their hair into bobbed styles, and wore bold makeup, including lipstick. Flappers enjoyed the new social freedoms that came with the Jazz Age, such as dancing, drinking, and smoking in public. They frequented jazz clubs, rejected the traditional ideal of women as submissive housewives, and expressed their independence both in fashion and lifestyle.

Key Social Changes and Continuities for Women

Though the 1920s saw major transformations, not all women experienced the same level of change. Some women, particularly those in rural areas, were less affected by the cultural shifts. Here’s a breakdown of changes and continuities for women during the decade:

New Opportunities and Ongoing Challenges

Although some women experienced a new sense of freedom, their economic and social challenges remained. Women were still largely relegated to lower-paying jobs, and their new political rights did not necessarily grant them an equal voice in all aspects of society. Moreover, the freedoms enjoyed by flappers and urban women were often not shared by women in rural areas, where traditional expectations remained strong.

The Legacy of the 1920s

The 1920s was a decade marked by cultural change, especially in the realms of entertainment, music, and gender roles. The rise of cinema, jazz, and new fashion trends symbolised the vibrancy of the period, while the changing role of women reflected broader social shifts. The 1920s were a time of both progress and tension, as new ideas about freedom and independence collided with older social norms. For women, the decade was a time of important steps forward, but many barriers; especially racial and economic remained in place, setting the stage for further struggles in the years to come.