1920S PT 2
A NEW CULTURE
PERSINSKI/MAGYAR
STANDARD 6
The student will demonstrate an understanding of the
conflict between traditionalism and progressivism in
the 1920s and the economic collapse and the
political response to the economic crisis in the 1930s.
Why learn this?
• To understand the consequences of economic
cycles and to make informed economic choices
and political decisions about government policies.
STANDARD 6.1
Explain the impact of the changes in the 1920s on the
economy, society, and culture, including:
- the expansion of mass production techniques,
- the invention of new home appliances,
- the introduction of the installment plan,
- the role of transportation in changing urban life,
- the effect of radio and movies in creating a
national mass culture,
- and the cultural changes exemplified by the
Harlem Renaissance.
CONSUMER SOCIETY
• More disposable income made innovations affordable.
• From electric razors to frozen foods and household cleaning
supplies to labor saving appliances, Americans used their new
income to make life easier.
• Higher wages and shorter workdays led to an economic
boom as Americans took on a new role as consumers.
• For the first time, the U.S. became a consumer society.
• In the past, people concentrated on saving.
• Now, people began to save less and spend more.
• This initially meant growth for the economy, but it also meant
peoples’ debts increased while their savings decreased.
• American attitudes about debt shifted, as they became
confident that they could pay back what they owed at a
later time.
ADVERTISEMENTS
• Advertisements convinced U.S. citizens that they not
only wanted, but needed certain products
• The mass media worsened the differences between
the “have” and “have-nots” by advertising goods
that many Americans could not afford to buy
• This led to the “buy now, pay later” philosophy that
stimulated the economy, but later proved to be
harmful to Americans
WOMEN
In 1920, women finally gained the right to vote with the 19th amendment
• The roles and expectations of women changed drastically during this
decade.
• Economic necessity and advancements in technology led more women
than ever into the workforce.
Women still faced obstacles:
• Generally, single women were hired
• The belief was that married women would eventually have children and
quit
• There was no such thing as maternity leave, so this was typically true
• Women were rarely trained for or given positions of leadership
• The availability of new appliances led to some social change because
women were able to do their house chores more easily: washing
machines, electric irons, vacuum cleaners
• **This did NOT lead to a significant change in their position in society or in
the economy
WOMEN
• As women’s place in the workforce increased, they began to
change their dress and behavior, also.
• Women’s hair became shorter, and their hemlines became
higher.
• They sought clothes that were comfortable and hairstyles that
were easier to manage.
• Women started going on dates, instead of entertaining men
at their homes with a chaperone. **The automobile and
“Lover’s Lane”
Flappers:
• These “New Women” tended to be more rebellious and “funloving” than women in the past.
**Although the “flapper” is an icon of the 1920’s, and her
freedom helped to change attitudes towards the role of women,
most women continued the traditional roles as wife and mother.
WOMEN’S FASHION
1900
1865
1920
1915
The Charleston
AFRICAN AMERICANS
The 1920’s saw great cultural accomplishments within the
African-American community.
Jazz:
• Became a popular form of music after WWI as musical
artists from Louisiana and Mississippi brought their talents
to the northern cities.
• The radio brought jazz music to white audiences.
• Jazz created a shared national culture.
An increase in black racial pride and awareness led many
black intellectuals to write works portraying the daily lives
of the working class African-Americans.
• Because much of this cultural movement took place in
New York City, it became known as the Harlem
Renaissance.
HARLEM RENAISSANCE
The migration of African Americans to segregated
neighborhoods in the cities of the north and Midwest brought
about a black middle class and a cultural renaissance.
• The renaissance brought recognition and pride to black
artists, particularly musicians, *but further pointed out their
second class citizenship.
• Louis Armstrong (1901-1971): a trumpeter and singer from
New Orleans; he was one of the most noted jazz musicians in
the 1920’s.
• Langston Hughes (1902-1967): wrote memorable poetry and
short stories about the black experience and reminded black
Americans of their African heritage.
• Zora Neal Hurston (1891-1960): gained fame for her novel
Their Eyes were Watching God
• African-Americans began to find a political and social voice
through organizations like the NAACP and the United Negro
Improvement Association.
Harlem’s
Cotton
Club
Jelly Roll Morton
Ma Rainey
Bessie Smith
Louis Armstrong
Duke Ellington
George Gershwin
Cab Calloway
MR. BOJANGLES
• Bill “Bojangles” Robinson- started in
vaudeville, and was on Broadway
by 1928. He is most famous for
dancing in films with Shirley Temple
in the 1930s
ADVERTISEMENTS OF THE 1920’S
PROJECT
Create a commercial advertising a new product of
the 1920’s.
You must include:
• All group members
• Some creative element (no reading from papers!)
• Costumes
• Good acting! 
ADVERTISEMENTS OF THE 1920’S
PROJECT
Create a commercial advertising a new product of
the 1920’s.
Step 1: Choose your product
Step 2: Plan your commercial
Step 3: Practice with Vimeo App
Step 4: Rehearse your commercial (several times!)
Step 5: Record your commercial
Step 6: Edit your commercial (with Vimeo App)
EXAMPLES
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SAd2wkTe-Uo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MH2GWd0vH-0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hzVtIJAOGko
STUDENT EXAMPLES
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2z1AD4hT3xY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mStMHsD4cak