Roaring Twenties, colloquial term for the 1920s, especially within the United States and other Western countries where the decade was characterized by economic prosperity, rapid social and cultural change, and a mood of exuberant optimism. The liveliness of the period stands in marked contrast to the historical crises on either side of it: World War I (1914–18) and the Great Depression (1929–c. 1939). The name may have originated as a play on the nautical term roaring forties, referring to latitudes with strong ocean winds.
By the dawn of the 1920s, the second Industrial Revolution had transformed the United States into a global economic power and drawn millions of Americans to cities. With a concurrent rise in immigration, the 1920 U.S. census was the first in which the majority of the population lived in urban areas. Although World War I had strained the country’s finances, the fact that the United States had entered the war late and that the fighting took place overseas helped it secure a more dominant economic position relative to its European allies.
During the 1920s, the American economy continued to accelerate. One reason was the growing electrification of the country.The portion of U.S. households with electricity rose from 12 percent in 1916 to 63 percent in 1927, and its widening use in factories led to increased productivity. Also contributing to the economic boom was the advent of mass-production methods such as the assembly line, which spurred the growth of the automobile industry. The decade saw the number of passenger cars more than triple, which in turn stimulated the expansion of transportation infrastructure and the oil and gas industries. In addition, the overall business sector benefited from the laissez-faire economic policies of U.S. presidents Warren G. Harding (1921–23) and Calvin Coolidge (1923–29). Between 1922 and 1929, the country’s real gross national product increased by nearly 40 percent, and the unemployment rate remained low.
Red Hair
Red HairClara Bow in Red Hair (1928). Only a fragment of this film, the only color footage of Bow, survives.
The technological and manufacturing boom ushered in a modern consumer culture. With electricity came a range of new household appliances, such as the refrigerator, vacuum cleaner, and washing machine, and the increased availability of credit made it possible for many Americans to afford them. The growth of the advertising industry and the development of sophisticated marketing techniques also helped create demand for these and other products in an expanding mass-media
Entertainment & Pop Culture
Music, Contemporary Genres
Jazz Music
the Charleston
the Charleston Illustration of the Charleston from the cover of Life, designed by John Held, Jr., 1926.
Roaring Twenties
historical era [20th century]
Also known as: 1920s, Jazz Age, Nineteen Twenties
Written by
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Last Updated: Sep 9, 2024 • Article History
Date:
1920 - 1929
Location:
Europe
United States
Roaring Twenties, colloquial term for the 1920s, especially within the United States and other Western countries where the decade was characterized by economic prosperity, rapid social and cultural change, and a mood of exuberant optimism. The liveliness of the period stands in marked contrast to the historical crises on either side of it: World War I (1914–18) and the Great Depression (1929–c. 1939). The name may have originated as a play on the nautical term roaring forties, referring to latitudes with strong ocean winds.
By the dawn of the 1920s, the second Industrial Revolution had transformed the United States into a global economic power and drawn millions of Americans to cities. With a concurrent rise in immigration, the 1920 U.S. census was the first in which the majority of the population lived in urban areas. Although World War I had strained the country’s finances, the fact that the United States had entered the war late and that the fighting took place overseas helped it secure a more dominant economic position relative to its European allies.
During the 1920s, the American economy continued to accelerate. One reason was the growing electrification of the country. The portion of U.S. households with electricity rose from 12 percent in 1916 to 63 percent in 1927, and its widening use in factories led to increased productivity. Also contributing to the economic boom was the advent of mass-production methods such as the assembly line, which spurred the growth of the automobile industry. The decade saw the number of passenger cars more than triple, which in turn stimulated the expansion of transportation infrastructure and the oil and gas industries. In addition, the overall business sector benefited from the laissez-faire economic policies of U.S. presidents Warren G. Harding (1921–23) and Calvin Coolidge (1923–29). Between 1922 and 1929, the country’s real gross national product increased by nearly 40 percent, and the unemployment rate remained low.
Red Hair
Red HairClara Bow in Red Hair (1928). Only a fragment of this film, the only color footage of Bow, survives.
The technological and manufacturing boom ushered in a modern consumer culture. With electricity came a range of new household appliances, such as the refrigerator, vacuum cleaner, and washing machine, and the increased availability of credit made it possible for many Americans to afford them. The growth of the advertising industry and the development of sophisticated marketing techniques also helped create demand for these and other products in an expanding mass-media landscape. Not only was the radio one of the most popular new electric devices, installed in 40 percent of homes by 1930, but the airwaves became an effective advertising medium. As labour-saving technologies created more opportunities for leisure, a plethora of popular entertainment arose from new media. Moviegoing became an American pastime, especially after the emergence of “talkies.” By the decade’s end, 80 million people flocked to cinemas weekly, with radio and magazines boosting interest in the stars on the screen. what are some key people in this artical
3 answers
Some key figures mentioned in the context of the Roaring Twenties in the article include:
Warren G. Harding - U.S. President from 1921 to 1923, known for his laissez-faire economic policies that contributed to the economic prosperity of the period.
Calvin Coolidge - U.S. President from 1923 to 1929, known for continuing Harding's policies and promoting the growth of business.
Clara Bow - A popular film actress of the 1920s, often associated with the emergence of the modern consumer culture and the film industry's growth, particularly noted for her role in "Red Hair" (1928).
These individuals represent the political leadership and cultural icons of the era, reflecting the economic and entertainment developments of the Roaring Twenties.
were there any during the time frame of 1910 to 1919
Yes, several key figures were prominent during the time frame of 1910 to 1919, particularly in relation to World War I and the cultural developments occurring in that decade. Here are some notable individuals:
Woodrow Wilson - The 28th President of the United States, Wilson served from 1913 to 1921 and led the country during World War I. He is known for his Fourteen Points plan for peace and for advocating for the formation of the League of Nations after the war.
Frances Willard - A prominent activist in the temperance movement and women’s suffrage movement. She served as the president of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union and was an important figure in advocating for women's rights during the early 20th century.
John J. Pershing - A General in the United States Army who played a key role in World War I as the commander of the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF) in Europe.
Henry Ford - An industrial giant who revolutionized the automobile industry with the introduction of assembly line production. His innovations during the 1910s significantly impacted American society and the economy.
Emma Goldman - An anarchist political activist and writer, she was involved in various social causes, including free speech and women's rights, and became a notable figure in the early 20th-century labor movement.
Sacco and Vanzetti (Nicola Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti) - Italian immigrants and anarchists who were controversially convicted of murder in Massachusetts. Their trial and execution in the late 1910s became widely regarded as a symbol of the dangers of political persecution and prejudice.
These individuals represent a mix of political leaders, activists, and cultural figures who impacted the landscape of the United States and beyond in the years leading up to and including World War I.
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