the american dream: 1920s

Fun Facts about the 1920s

105.7 million people in the USA94.8 mill White…10.4 mill Af. Am

Life Expectancy Man: 56…Woman:59…Af Am Male: 47

(about 10 years longer than the early 1900s)

#of Homicides = 5,815Unemployment Rate 4%

Passenger Cars Sold: 1,905,500AM Radio Stations: 1 (by 1930s = 618)

How are the 1920s going to be different?

Your Nation just won “the war to end all wars”

(WWI)

What are you going to do!?

After the war = clash in values!

New Morality

all about personal freedom

v.

Fundamentalist

Old school traditionalists

New Morality

•FREEDOM.

•Young & Modern.

•Worked and spent money on music, fashion, and other entertainment

•Urban (cities- it’s where the action is)

Fundamentalists

•Very Religious: they believed that the Bible was 100% correct and that god created man.

•Sometimes older generation

•Lived in rural areas (farms/Midwest)

1920s = Economic BOOM!

People had lots of money…

And time…

1920s: Cost of the American Dream

RENT:

$40/month

OWN:

$4,000

$125

$12.50

$85

$6.75

Suit

$27.95

Shoes $10

Dress $4.75

Rain Capes $4.50

Louise Brooksmovie star

1920’s women = the Flapper

Suzanne LenglenTennis player

1920s Brad Pitt = Rudolph Valentino

“Sheik”

For Men?

Oxford Bags = men’s pants

Happy Feet

• Happy feet! I've got those happy feet! Give them a low-down beat And they begin dancing! I've got those ten little tapping toes, When they hear a tune I can't control the dancing, dear, To save my soul!

• Those weary blues can't get into my shoes, Because my shoes refuse To ever grow weary. I keep cheerful on an earful Of music sweet; Just got those hap-hap-happy feet!

Why do you bob your hair girls?Blind Alfred Reed

Why do you bob your hair, girls? You're doing mighty wrong; God gave it for a glory And you should wear it long. You spoil your lovely hair, girls, You keep yourself in style; Before you bob your hair, girls, Just stop and think a while.

Why do you bob your hair, girls?

It is an awful shame

To rob the head God gave you

And bear the flapper's name.

You're taking off your covering,

It is an awful sin;

Don't never bob your hair, girls,

Short hair belongs to men.