Sarah Freiberg
The 1920s, more commonly referred to as the Roaring Twenties, were a period of prosperity which would see the emergence of modernism and a new age. Considering this was the era which followed World War 1, this was seen as a time to celebrate, to let go and enjoy.
Also named the Jazz Age, this decade brought with it great change and development. For example, household electricity was found in a much wider range of homes than had been seen before. Lifestyles and cultures endured significant changes; there was a much greater consumer demand for radios, automobiles and telephones. It would later become more normal and widespread to have these in a household, which would help grow the market and severely affect industrial growth.
Take America for instance, the media began changing its course of interest and musical taste evolved. Welcome to the Jazz Age folks! Jazz would be making a booming entrance into the music industry, gaining love and popularity. Popular Jazz artists and bands from this time include Louis Armstrong, of whom you may have heard. He had a very big impact within this music style. Edward 'Kid' Ory was a very influential jazz musician, the leader of Ory’s Band, who would record Ory’s Creole Trombone and Society Blues in 1922. Joseph ‘King’ Oliver was well recognized for his playing style; he earned his nickname ‘King’ because of his extraordinary ability to play the cornet.
The media would also change its course of interest concerning the lives of celebrities, movie stars, and star players. Some of the era’s most famous people consist of Albert Einstein the noted theoretical physicist, Amelia Earhart who became the first woman to fly across the Atlantic Ocean, Babe Ruth an American professional baseball player, and Coco Chanel, a French businesswoman and fashion designer.
Speaking of fashion in the 1920s; Women’s fashion evolved where it would become acceptable to wear knee length skirts and dresses, bobbed hair, and short hair under cloche hats which were bell-shaped hats while jewelry was not as adorned. Trends and styles favored simplicity, they did not care for formality, but rather comfort. Men's fashion included tuxedos, silk shirts, black patent leather shoes, racoon fur coats, boater hats and bow ties.
What are some fun facts and achievements the 1920’s secured? There was an increase in the amount of independent countries which passed Women’s Suffrage, especially after the end of World War 1, with the aim of rewarding their war effort and hardships. In 1925, the first television was developed, forever changing the media, while in 1926 the first liquid fuel rocket was launched.
All in all, the Jazz Age was full of new technologies and advancements which would kickstart industrial growth and mark a time of prosperity and development: they really were the Roaring Twenties!
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