Thirty-Three Images Showcasing the Exuberant 1920s, Embracing the Era of Jazz in All Its Glory
The 1920s, often referred to as the Roaring Twenties, was a decade marked by conflict between old and new schools of thought. This era, which bridged an important gap in women's rights, allowed women to forge their own path in life, enjoying more freedoms including the right to vote and continued involvement in the workforce.
The Jazz Age, as it came to be known, officially ended with the Great Depression, but Jazz music still enjoys tremendous popularity today. The Harlem Renaissance, a creative explosion within the African-American population during the Jazz Age, gave rise to this music, with greats like Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington performing in venues like the Cotton Club. Many African-American musicians, such as Louis Armstrong and Eddie Boyd, moved to cities like Chicago in search of greater opportunities.
The Harlem Renaissance was not just about music. It was also a time of literary and artistic expression, with prominent black artists and writers like Aaron Douglas, Langston Hughes, Paul Robeson, W. E. B. Du Bois, Augusta Savage, and others making their mark.
The Roaring Twenties was also a time of significant social change. Post-war ideals about immigration, religion, piety, and sexuality were all on contested ground. The decade saw an increase in divorce rates and premarital sex due to women's newfound freedoms. Young people shunned the rigid Victorian lifestyle in favor of independence, open-mindedness, and decadence.
Flapper fashion, characterized by boyish bob haircuts and cloche hats, became popular in the mid-twenties. This fashion was a reflection of the changing times, symbolizing the newfound freedom and independence of women.
However, not all changes were positive. Prohibition, which made it illegal to produce, transport, or sell alcoholic beverages, was enacted in the United States on January 17, 1920. Illegal alcohol trading soared during the Roaring Twenties, leading to an increase in corruption among law enforcement and prohibition officers. The annual deaths from tainted alcohol topped 1,000 each year during the 1920s.
The Ku Klux Klan emerged as a way for more conservative perspectives to hang on to their old "values," which were precisely the ones the free-spirited Roaring Twenties were trying to squash. The Great Migration left many uneasy, with white Southerners concerned about their labor force dwindling and recent immigrants in the north not liking the competition for jobs.
The Great Migration of the Roaring Twenties was one of the largest and most rapid mass internal movements in history, as written by author Nicholas Lemann. It saw a large movement of African Americans from rural areas to urban areas in the north and midwest, often to escape racism and segregation.
Despite the challenges, the Roaring Twenties was a decade that saw significant progress in women's rights and the arts, as well as the rise of Jazz music. However, it was also a decade marked by corruption, social unrest, and racial tension. The legacy of the Roaring Twenties continues to be felt today, serving as a reminder of the power of change and the challenges that come with it.
