The 1920’s – a Decade of Social Change

Fads going on in the 20’s brought on a never ending list of needs and improvements. The trends happening at this time “ flavored the air”. During this time period cars were brought about, this created a never ending trail of needs. Cars needed gas, that needed roads, cars could travel which meant people needed phones to talk to family and friends. Profitability swarmed the counties, and social change continues to skyrocket. At this time men actually shaved off their beards. The 20’s not only changed for that generation, but inspired change for the generations to follow.

Life in the 20’s were so much easier, on kids, and even on the human body. The average life span was fifty something now the average life span is the seventy’s . Back in the day school was for 75 days, today a school year is around 180 days. This drastic change could have something to do with the fact that this decade was the time of the return of World War I. Due to an amendment being set in, change quickly followed. Banning the exchange, sale, and manufacturing of alcohol many people decided to ignore this law, even though this would not work out in today's world, the government decided to revoke this amendment a decade later. This kind of change in the world showed that the citizens are in control. Due to this uproar of alcohol mixed drinks were invented in the 20’s, not only because they could now, but because they wanted to show empowerment. Everything was changing, it was a new era.

Dance styles changed, jazz was invented, and flappers were the talk of all towns. Along with dance styles some of the favorite shows of today's world were created, such as Mickey Mouse, Steamboat Willie, and even Popeye. Terriosem is a huge problem today, 99 years ago is was still a large problem, the KKK was one of the most famously known terrorists to this country, they targeted Catholics, Jews, and blacks. All because a group of people does not believe the same beliefs as another group, a significant amount of people were killed during this time. Movies were a big hit in the 20's, therefore they started to create movies, and documentaries about the KKK, to inform the people or sometimes to promote it.

Not very often do men wear hats for pleasure, the 20’s was a different story. Racoon fur coats make a hit on the fashion world, today it would be extremely rare to see a person with a fur coat at all, let alone from a racoon. For a long time women's skirts and bathing suits were longer and they even had bathing suit cover ups. Fashion was not the same anymore, womens bathing suits got shorter, bikinis were popular, and coverups were a time of the past, Not only did this shift change that decade but almost 100 years later woman wear bathing suits that are almost just one thread.

As today's world calls them strippers, back then they were flappers, the outfits covered a little more and they didn't broadcast sleeping with their customers, but along with the name, the rules changed. Women who worked and housewives shopped for latest fashion, every since 1921 the very first beauty contest, women were no longer in the dark. The right to vote shortly came after, this era women ruled the world. Along with all of the excitement of treds forming and trying to stay up to date with all of them, money had to support all of them, therefore wall street filled up and banks had more businesses.

Evening parties and gathering often woman wore beaded or feathered headbands as an accessory. Long pearl necklaces, fake jewelry, and big gaudy jewelry were highly in style. Beaded headbands, and beaded purses, beaded belts, and even cigarette cases make a boom. The styles of fashion at this time encouraged the ridiculous styles today. Women were mostly still staying at home, and finally their clothing was comfortable, house dresses were invented. These dresses had comfort and pockets, the need for convenience and comfort was larger than the supply. Back then city folks wore neutral colors that were bland and boring. While country folks wore yellow, green, white, red, blue, and light gray, today the change is 100% city woman typically wear neutral colors to not show sweat and no one sees them, city women wear some funky things bright colors, colors that don't match, and anything under the sun.

All in all 1920 not only changed that decade but it set in a standard that is constantly raised year after year of social changes. Today many people would argue that the social change is way out of control and times were simpler 100 years ago, and compared to now, yes they were but that does not mean that they did not go through tough situations in politics, trends, beliefs, and many of the same problems we face today.

Works Cited

1. O'Neil, Shannon Leigh. “Crazes in the 1920s.” Synonym, CLASSROOM, 31 Mar. 2017, https://classroom.synonym.com/crazes-1920s-11158.html.
2. Rose, et al. “What Did Women Wear in the 1920s? 20s Clothing Trends.” Vintage Dancer, Debbie Sessions, 13 June 2013, vintagedancer.com/1920s/when-to-wear-what-in-the-1920s/.
3. Silverstein, B. (2019). 1920s: A Decade of Change | NCpedia. [online] Ncpedia.org. Available at: https://www.ncpedia.org/history/20th-Century/1920s [Accessed 9 Sep. 2019].