The 1920s Is Also Known As The Roaring Twenties

“The 1920s heralded a dramatic break between America’s past and future” (Zeitz). The 1920s also known as the “Roaring Twenties” is a time period in American history of success and new opportunities. The 1920s was a period of booming economic growth, empowerment for women, mass production of media, and technological discoveries. The economic growth led to more available income for people to spend on entertainment and leisure. This led to an energetic and thriving arts and entertainment industry and general societal exuberance which defined the 1920s as the “Roaring Twenties”. The 1920s also became known as the “Jazz Age” because of the widespread influence jazz music had on the population.

Once War World I ended economies shited from wartime industries to consumer industries. From the years 1913 to 1929 Industrial production doubled (Roaring Twenties). This increased production led to post-war prosperity which was further fueled by new industries and new technological advancement. Some of these advancements included the automobile and the radio

Art challenged traditional conventions and explored new forms of expression. New art techniques such as Cubism, Surrealism, and Dadaism were rebellious and symbolic of the time. These art forms rejected traditional academic styles for art that emphasized individualism, and abstractism (Bolton). Jazz music became popular during this time and was a symbol of freedom and expression. Jazz which has its roots in African American communities of New Orleans spread rapidly throughout the United States (Kerlinger). Jazz was perhaps the most influential cultural development of the time and had so much influence that the 1920s is also referred to as the “Jazz Age”. Jazz music was played in nightclubs, dance halls, and speakeasies and helped give rise to the flapper culture which emphasized independence, empowerment, and equality of