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Social And Cultural Changes In The 1920s

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Economic prosperity, new technological experiences, and cultural transformations in American society consumed the decade of the 1920s. The 1920s was an era of modern change for America politically, culturally, and socially. Buying items on credit was used for the first time, technology was improving, and American society was growing with a new self-confidence. The economy was booming with a new confidence it had never experienced before. As a matter of fact, the 1920s is known as "The Roaring Twenties" or "The Jazz Age" because it is was considered a decade long party filled with wealth, parties, and music. Dressing up and attending parties became the new fad of the decade. Also, sports, movies, and radios became highly popular as well. People …show more content…

The 1920's has always been regarded as a decade long party filled with new tastes of fashion, dances, and entertainment. Radios, talking movies, and sports were introduced to the world of entertainment. "In November 1920 the first radio broadcast was heard in America" (Hanson 84). Sports, music, and talk shows became huge when they were promoted onto the radio. By the end of the decade, one-third of America's population were listening to their own radios. Also, movies were used with sound for the first time. Usually, musicians would be hired to provide music during silent films, and subtitles would be provided to explain the plot of the film. "The Jazz Singer" was the first talking movie in 1927. As well as movies and radios, sports became a popular cultural change as well. Promoters saw sports as an opportunity to make money. By being promoted through radios, movies, and newspapers, sports quickly rose to the top of American culture and entertainment. "The momentum these sports built up in the 1920's has ensured that these sports have endured in popularity to the present day" ("1920s Sports"). Additionally, dancing and music were added to the list of entertainment during the 1920s. In 1921, the hit song "Ain't We Got Fun" was released, and it describes the American public enjoying entertainment and pastimes. Dances such as the Charleston and the Tango became popular especially when shown in movies. "The Charleston, made popular by the 1923 Broadway African American revue Running Wild, was a very fast dance of intricate positions, including crossing the hands and knees" (Hanson 90). The Charleston was actually banned by most community groups, but this caused Charleston dance contests to become even more popular. In fact, the new, younger generation of the 1920s felt more confident and free to dance. "In the early 1900's both the Waltz and the Tango

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