Culture and Lifestyles of the 1920’s

Fashion - Women The new style of women’s dress, known as the “Flapper” was characterized by knee high skirts (dresses), high socks, and open shoes/boots. Women who cut their hair short, consumed alcohol and smoked in public were nicknamed ‘Vamps’

Technological Developments The radio (Crystal set receiver developed 1906) burst on to the scene by the 1920’s, providing cheap entertainment for millions. The telephone (developed 1876) became widely available The airplane was being used for commercial flying by mid-decade.

Tech. Developments cont… Convenience appliances: electric stoves vacuum cleaners toasters sewing machines washing machines etc… These gadgets helped create “free or leisure time” for men and women in the 1920’s Mass advertising takes effect to encourage consumers to BUY BUY BUY!

Advertising for the home

‘Healthy’ advice . . .

Beverage anyone?

Henry Ford and the Motor Car

The Model ‘T’ Ford Henry Ford set out to build a car which everyone could afford to buy. The motor car became incredibly popular during the 1920’s. It was slow, ugly and difficult to drive, and was nick named the ‘Tin Lizzie’ by the American people.

Key Quote – Henry Ford ‘A customer can have any colour he likes for his car so long as it's black’ How would this have helped to cut production costs?

Mass Production Ford was able to sell cars cheaply because they were mass-produced and every part was standardized (only one colour and one engine size were available). By producing large numbers of cars on an assembly line, Ford needed fewer skilled workers, and that cut the cost of paying wages.

The Car (cont’d) The increasing popularity of the car helped open-up Canada, ending the isolation experienced by those living in remote areas.

Automotive Advertising

Price Comparison . . .

ENTERTAINMENT!

Let’s go to the movies! The 1920’s were dominated by a general increase in “leisure time” By the end of the decade “talkies” replaced silent films. Popular movie stars of the decade included Charlie Chaplin, and Canadian Mary Pickford. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1MNzVEy_mnE&feature=fvst

Entertainment cont’d Jazz music and jazz clubs were highly popular. “The Charleston” was the most popular dance. Dance contests were widely popular http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yNAOHtmy4j0&feature=related

Growth of Canadian Culture

Canadian Art Canadian art flourished during the 1920’s Artists such as the Group of Seven, Emily Carr painted iconic Canadian landscapes. Helped to balance the American influence…

Sports

Your Task Using the book: Canadian History: A Sense of Time… Read pgs. 86-87 ‘Focus on Athletes and Artists’ Answer #1 – use handout chart to complete Answer #2 – on a sheet of lined paper