Cultural Revolution In The 1920s

The ascension of the American economy has been imminent ever since the conclusion of the Spanish-American War. The Spanish-American War asserted the United States as a world superpower as the U.S., not only beat the Spanish, but also acquired many of her territories to kick off this new “American Empire”. The economic upsurge of the roaring twenties echoed this sentiment. After a major victory in the Great War, the United States directly transitioned into a phase of economic prosperity which appeared to be evident in all facets of American life. During the roaring twenties, the United States established themselves as the world world capital of Industry, Technology, and Culture. Many industries benefited from the exceptional conditions of the

I say this because many Americans who were ignored such as women and African-Americans were now in the limelight for the nation to see. With women finally getting the right to vote with the passing of the 19th amendment, the stage was set for Women to have a dominant role in 1920’s culture. Progressive Women during this time, also known as flappers, were distinct from other women as they behaved and dressed in a boldly unconventional manner. These women pushed for and promoted their agenda, which included women’s suffrage, the repeal of prohibition, and the push for having more women in the workforce. Similarly, a number of African-Americans were also emerging from a history subjugation. After a long history of prejudice and discrimination in the Jim Crow South, many looked for change and saw northern cities such as Detroit and New York City as their ticket to not only economic, but social prosperity. They established communities such as one in Harlem New York that eventually became the Harlem Renaissance. The Harlem Renaissance The Harlem Renaissance was an intellectual, social, and artistic explosion that took place in Harlem, New York. Many notable people became famous through the Harlem Renaissance such as Louis Armstrong, Langston Hughes, and W. E. B. Du Bois. Louis Armstrong was one of the most influential figures in the history of jazz whose career caught fire during the Harlem Renaissance. Langston Hughes was a poet, social activist, novelist, playwright, and columnist who was known as the leader of the Harlem Renaissance thanks to his “Jazz Poetry.” Lastly, W. E. B. Du Bois was a sociologist, historian, civil rights activist, Pan-Africanist, author, writer and editor who was best known for being one of the founders of the National Association for Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). These three personalities plus the role flappers had in the 1920’s helped the roaring twenties with it’s