Society and Culture of the 1920s

Society and Culture of the 1920s

Key Questions1) How did womens role change during the 1920s?2) Why were people migrating to major cities during the 1920s?3) Why did individual people become larger than life heroes for many during the Roaring 20s?

Womens SuffrageNineteenth Amendment passed on August 20, 1920.Early years of suffrage only about 35% of female voters went to the polls.Many stated they lacked interest in politics.Jeannette Rankin: First female congresswoman (1916)

The Empowered WomanFlappersthe American woman has lifted her skirts far beyond any modest limitation. (NY Times, 1920)Between 1913 and 1928, average amount of fabric used went from 19.5 yards to 7 yards.Questioned morals and norms of society in the post-WWI era.

Women In The WorkforceRising number of women entering the workforce in the early 1920s; primarily single women.Remained almost impossible for women to become doctors, lawyers, or other high paying professional positions.

Citizens On The MoveMajor demographic changes in the U.S.Rural/Urban divideFarmers in financial troubleIndustrial/Commercial industries were thriving economicallyMasses move to the citiesPublic high school attendance:2.2 million (1920)4.4 million (1930)

Minority MigrationThe Great MigrationMovement of African-Americans from the southern U.S. to the north.1860: 93% lived in the south.1930: 80% lived in the south.Still racism in the northOther minoritiesHispanics moved to barrios (Spanish speaking neighborhoods).New York City attracted a massive Puerto Rican population.

Take FlightCharles LindberghBorn in MinnesotaSpirit of Saint LouisAttempted and succeeded in flying non-stop from New York to Paris.Lucky Lindy; Icy and stormy weather conditions during flight.Refused star status; turned down millions of dollars in advertisements.Amelia Earhart1928: First woman to fly across the Atlantic (as a passenger)1932: First woman to fly solo across the Atlantic.1937: Attempted to fly around the entire world.Completed two-thirds of the trip and mysteriously vanished crossing the Pacific.

Lindbergh & Earhart

Heroes Get Remembered, but Legends Never DieSports became big business during the 1920sBoxingJack Dempsey was the premier heavyweight champion.A hero for the entire American public enduring struggle.Jim ThorpeNative American (Sac and Fox Nation)Won Olympic gold medals in decathlon and pentathlon.Played professional football and baseball as well.First president of the National Football LeagueBaseballGeorge Herman Babe RuthThe Sultan of Swat, The King of Crash, The Great Bambino714 Home Runs All-TimeHome Run King until Hank Aaron broke the record in April, 1974.