Era of Wonderful NonsenseThe Roaring Twenties

Focus Question

In a short response of one to three sentences, respond to the following prompt:

• Describe the characteristics of a time period called “the Era of Wonderful Nonsense”

Objectives

• After today’s lesson you will:• Describe elements of the 1920s• Examine characteristics of decades

Terms for the 1920s

• The 1920s given numerous names:• The Roaring Twenties• The Jazz Age• The Age of Intolerance• The Age of Wonderful Nonsense

New Directions

• American culture took new directions• Spread of Jazz Music• Cotton Club, the Dill Pickle Club

• Development of Motion Pictures• The Jazz Singer

• Literature of the “Lost Generation”• Artistic School of Realism

Cultural Fads

• People indulged in numerous fads• Flap-pole sitting• Dance Marathons

• Newfound interest in flying

Lionization of Entertainment

• Explosive growth of professional sports• Firm establishment of Major League Baseball• Founding of the National Football League • Reliance on superstars

Lionization of Entertainment (II)

• Explosive growth of silent film (“Flickers”)• Charlie Chaplin• Mary Pickford• Rudolf Valentino• Buster Keaton

• Escape from the everyday life

Summary

• In your opinion, what nickname should be given to this current decade? Explain your choice