Decade of Dynamism
The 1920s, known as the 'Roaring Twenties', was a decade marked by post-war euphoria, economic prosperity, and significant social change. Jazz flourished, flappers redefined womanhood, and art deco peaked.
Prohibition's Unexpected Consequences
The 18th Amendment, enacted in 1920, prohibited alcohol, aiming to improve morality and reduce crime. Instead, it spurred bootlegging, speakeasies, and an era of organized crime led by figures like Al Capone.
Tech Revolution Sparks Growth
Technological advancements, such as the mass production of automobiles and the spread of electrification, revolutionized daily life. Consumer culture boomed with the advent of credit systems, allowing more Americans to purchase goods.
Wall Street's Fateful Surge
The stock market experienced unprecedented growth during the 1920s, culminating in a speculative bubble. An unregulated market and overextended investors set the stage for the 1929 crash.
Harlem Renaissance Flourishes
The Harlem Renaissance was an African American cultural movement. It celebrated black traditions, fostered a new black cultural identity, and produced icons like Langston Hughes and Duke Ellington.
Women's Rights Take Flight
The 19th Amendment, ratified in 1920, granted American women the right to vote. This victory for suffragettes propelled women into the political arena and beyond, challenging traditional gender norms.
Aviation Redefines Travel
Charles Lindbergh's 1927 solo transatlantic flight in the Spirit of St. Louis captured the world's imagination, significantly advancing aviation technology and commercial air travel, making the globe more connected than ever before.
Jazz's Secret Weapon
Jazz Age musicians used illegal drugs like cocaine to enhance their performances, adding an edgy, underground vibe to the roaring nightlife scenes.