what did it mean to be modern in the 1920's?
http://webtech.kennesaw.edu/jcheek3/roaring_twenties.htm
My parents were modern in the 20s. My mother wore short skirts and cut her hair short. She also worked for a summer in New York. Both she and my father graduated from a university. They loved to dance the latest dances. After they married, they moved away from their small towns to live in Chicago, where Dad had a job working as a highway engineer for the federal government. Mom also got a job working in an office.
To understand what it meant to be modern in the 1920s, we need to consider the historical context of that time and the various aspects that characterized the modernity of that era.
During the 1920s, a significant shift occurred in society, culture, and technology. This period is often referred to as the Roaring Twenties or the Jazz Age. Some key features of modernity in the 1920s include:
1. Social and Urban Changes: One prominent aspect of modernity in the 1920s was the transformation of urban areas. Cities experienced rapid growth, with an increase in skyscrapers, modern infrastructure, and urban amenities. Social norms and values also shifted. Traditional ideas about gender, sexuality, and societal roles were challenged, leading to more liberal attitudes.
2. Consumer Culture: The 1920s were marked by significant advancements in industrial production and mass marketing. This led to the rise of consumer culture, where people embraced new products and technologies. The advent of electricity, radio, automobiles, telephones, and household appliances made life more convenient and comfortable.
3. Flapper Culture: The image of the "flapper" emerged as a symbol of the modern, independent woman. Flappers defied traditional gender norms by wearing shorter dresses, cutting their hair short, and openly expressing their sexuality. They challenged societal expectations by taking part in activities typically associated with men, such as smoking and driving.
4. Art, Literature, and Music: Modernist movements in art, literature, and music became prominent during the 1920s. Artists and writers experimented with new styles and techniques, rejecting conventional forms. Jazz music emerged as a significant cultural force, characterized by its syncopated rhythms and improvisation. The Harlem Renaissance celebrated African American culture and artistic achievements.
5. Economic Prosperity: The 1920s were a time of economic growth and prosperity in many parts of the Western world, particularly in the United States. This period is often referred to as the "Roaring Twenties" due to its booming economy. The stock market soared, and industrial production increased significantly, leading to a rise in living standards for many.
Understanding what it meant to be modern in the 1920s involves considering all these factors and how they influenced society, culture, and individual lifestyles.