Lesson 11: Culture of the 1920s

Introduction

In this lesson, you will consider the culture of the 1920s and how life in America was changing. Important Icon

Focus Questions:

What led to the 1920s being known as the “Roaring 20s”?

How did the economy change for U.S. citizens during the 1920s?

What cultural changes took place in the 1920s?

Were the 1920s a good time for all U.S. citizens?

The Roaring Twenties

The Roaring Twenties was an era in American history of social, economic, and political change. For the first time, more Americans lived in cities than on farms, and the wealth of the American people was booming! This economic engine swept many Americans into an affluent “consumer culture” in which people nationwide saw the same advertisements, bought the same goods, listened to the same music and did the same dances. For most, they were consuming more than they were producing. In short, this meant they were buying more than they could afford. Because the economy was doing so well, many would even borrow money from the bank in order to keep up with the culture and purchase big ticket items like homes and cars.

The Roaring Twenties was a turning point for women. For once in their lives, women felt empowered and independent. For the first time, women were able to finally vote thanks to the 19th Amendment to the Constitution.

World War I had just ended, and even though none of the war was fought in the United States, the economy was booming, and it gave the citizens a reason to celebrate. Take a look at the slideshow below to help gain an understanding of what life was like during the 1920s compared to before.

As you can see from the information on the slideshow, people were making more money and consuming more products. This is what we refer to when we say the economy was booming.

 In your journal:  Record the following questions and answer them.

          • What led to the 1920s being called the “Roaring Twenties?”
          • How was the American economy changing?

 Interactive

Now, we will review some of the key terms you learned today. Throughout this unit, we will learn new words while adding to the key terms we have already learned. Add these new words to the table you started in lesson 1. You will also review the key terms from our previous lessons.

Assignment

Using the questions that you wrote in your journal today, you will create a Flip to share your responses with the class.

Go to the next page to complete the Flip assignment

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