The 1920s – an era of glitz and glamour unlike anything the world had ever seen! This period became immortalised for its carefree attitude, boundless innovation and hedonism. Once shrouded in mystery, the ‘Roaring Twenties’ have held an undeniable allure to culture and fashion throughout the decades. Embark on a journey of discovery through this infamous decade and uncover the revolutionary roots hidden in the flapper dress. Unveil the glamour – and the rebellion – of the Roaring Twenties.
1. Capturing the Dawn of a New Era: Reflecting on the Roaring Twenties
The roaring 1920s is a decade quite unlike any other, with its indelible mark still visible decades later. The last few years of the 1910s may have ushered in a sense of optimism, but there was a certain je ne sais quoi about the 1920s that catapulted the modern world into an entirely new era. The decade saw many changes, some of which are summarised below:
- An Impactful Intellectual Movement: Many intellectual, cultural, and artistic movements began to thrive during the 1920s, including Cubism, Expressionism, Surrealism, and the Lost Generation. These thought-provoking, abstract movements inspired many to create new things.
- Historic Scientific Advancements: Another important aspect of this period was the incredible scientific progress that was made. Innovative technologies such as the automobile, radio, and electricity were made accessible to the public. Furthermore, penicillin was discovered, which revolutionised medical treatment and saved countless lives.
- A Flourishing Young Generation: The 1920s was a time of great possibility and hope for many, primarily the younger generations. This newfound freedom was coupled with an exploding culture that can still be seen today, from music to fashion to literature.
These elements, and many others, created an unstoppable wave of energy that ultimately drove the world forward. The roaring twenties were truly an era of great progress and being remembered as one of the most important decades of the modern era.
When looking back on this golden age, our awe and appreciation for the individuals who lived through it can only be re-enforced. Our capabilities to express ourselves and interact with the world around us were fundamentally revolutionised, and the journey of self-discovery began. The roaring twenties gave us the integrity to embody a new way of living, and to build a bright and better future.
2. Breaking the Mould: Understanding the Rebellion of the Twenties
The 1920s saw a revolution in culture and attitude, as society began to break away from the staid, conservative norms of earlier times. It was a period of free-spiritedness, of experimentation, and of breaking past expectations.
- The Arts: The decade saw a surge in creativity in the arts, with new and innovative works of creativity, music, painting, and literature flourishing. Writers like Virginia Woolf and F. Scott Fitzgerald embraced the new attitude and created classics that still inspire generations today.
- The Jazz Age: Jazz music swept the nation in the 1920s, with famous bands and musicians like Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, and Ella Fitzgerald producing mesmerizing sounds that changed the course of music forever. People gathered to listen to and dance to jazz, and it became the music of choice for many cutting-edge singers and performers.
- Fashion and Beauty: Women began to discard the rigid corsets and long skirts of their mothers in favour of shorter, less constrictive hemlines and a more liberated style of dress. Young women embraced a daring and rebellious aesthetic, with bright lipstick and short skirts seen everywhere.
- Social Reform: The 1920s saw a tremendous uprising in feminist, suffrage, and civil rights movements, as people of all backgrounds began to challenge the status quo and fight for a more just and equal society. This activism was integral to the success of later social justice campaigns, and provided a vital blueprint for the fight for equality.
- Economic Boom: The twenties were also a period of remarkable economic growth and prosperity. The stock market was soaring, and companies and businesses profited from the booming economy. Americans took advantage of this newfound wealth to purchase luxury items and to travel, further diversifying and revolutionizing the cultural landscape.
The twenties were a time of brilliance, creativity, and daring. It was a time of unprecedented social movements, as people from all over the world fought for justice and equality. The break from staid, old tradition and definition of beauty and fashion created a more open and accepting world, and the economic boom allowed millions of people the chance to express themselves through the arts and through leisure. The twenties were truly a remarkable time of rebellion and growth.
3. Glittering Glamour: Uncovering the allure of the Jazz Age
- Prohibition & Speakeasies: The birth of the Roaring Twenties and the rise of the Jazz Age were defined by the country’s transition from partial to full-on prohibition. Moonshine and the illegal home production of alcohol, known as “bathtub gin,” rocketed in popularity. In response, speakeasies — hidden, underground nightclubs — emerged as a way for people to live lawlessly behind closed doors.
- Flappers & Charleston: Strongly opposed to traditional expectations of women, flappers (the Jazz Age equivalent of today’s “cool girls”) flaunted a new type of femininity. When the perky Charleston dance was created by African-American youths, the flappers began to dance with gay abandon in short, tight dresses, shocking the more conservative public figures of the time.
- Music & Jazz:The range of music was transformed during the Jazz Age as well. Stars such as Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, and Duke Ellington emerged and began to revolutionise the genre of Jazz. New styles of music emerged as well, blurring the lines between genres to create a unique new sound.
- Art & Expression: The age was also characterised by a new passion for expression and daring art movements. Dada-ism, Art Deco, Fauvism, and Surrealism defined the Jazz Age as much as its music. Authors such as Ernest Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote about the trials of the era. Artists such as Salvador Dali and Pablo Picasso created enigmatic pieces of surreal art.
- Fashion Revolution: Perhaps one of the most iconic aspects of the Jazz Age was the fashion. Bright colors, big hairstyles, and dazzling jewelry styles replaced the more conservative attire of the past. Men and women alike embraced the chance to express themselves through clothing and style.
4. Race to the Top: Examining the Cultural and Economic Impact of the Decade
As the new decade unfolds, it’s a great time to look at the past ten years and the incredible impact cultures and economies have experienced. There has been an amazing race to the top when it comes to the modern world. Let’s take a closer look:
New Technology Has Changed Everything
No other decade has experienced quite the information revolution we have in the 2010s. From smart devices, to artificial intelligence, to the emergence of social media – the way we live, communicate, and do business has forever changed.
The latest technologies have unleashed a new wave of economic growth throughout the world; businesses now have access to tools and technology that are unparalleled. This has enabled them to compete globally in ways that were impossible before.
Cultural Exchange Has Grown
The internet and new technologies have played a major role in connecting cultures around the globe like never before. We’ve been able to travel, learn and collaborate with people from different countries who may have felt like strangers before. This exchange of social and cultural experiences has enriched our lives all over the world.
Long-standing cultural divides that have kept us apart, have been bridged in ways no one could have imagined, bringing us all closer together.
- Multilingual communication platforms have emerged
- Global travel has soared to unprecedented levels
- We have moved from local to global economies
The Future is Bright
In this short period of time, the world has experienced a race to the top like never before, and all the signs point to it continuing into the next decade. With continued commitment to technology, innovation, and collaboration, the future looks brighter than ever.
The Roaring Twenties remain an era full of fascination and glamour. It was a period of economic prosperity, technological advancements, entertainment visions that have remained ahead of their time and an inspiring rebellious spirit that changed how we live today. Go back in time and uncover the glamorous and rebellious spirit of the time that shaped our present day.
