WORLD HISTORY 12/3/12 A CHANGING CULTURE

LOSS OF FAITH 1920s: war novels, poetry, plays, and memoirs became popular. All Quiet on the Western Front: exposed the grim horrors of modern warfare. Many works reflected a powerful disgust with war. World War I, to many writers, symbolized the moral breakdown of western civilization.

CHANGING SOCIETY Many rapid social changes after World War I. New technologies helped create a mass culture shared by millions in the world’s developed countries. Affordable cars gave middle-class people greater mobility. Radios brought news, music, and sports into homes throughout the western world.

JAZZ 1920s: the Jazz Age Pioneered by African Americans who combined western harmonies with African rhythms. Jazz musicians took simple melodies and improvised endless subtle variations in rhythm and beat. Produced music that was both original and popular.

THE YOUNGER GENERATION Rebellious young people rejected the moral values and rules of the Victorian Age and chased after excitement. Called the “lost generation.” Seen by some as immoral pleasure seekers. Symbol of rebellious Jazz Age youth was the liberated young woman called the flapper.

FLAPPER Flapper: in the United States and Europe in the 1920s, a rebellious young woman. First flappers were American, but the movement spread to Europe. Rejected old ways. Bobbed their hair, wore skirts far shorter than those of prewar fashions. Went out on dates unchaperoned, smoked cigarettes, and drank in nightclubs.

WOMEN’S LIVES Postwar period brought limited progress. 1920s: labor-saving devices had become common in middle-class homes. Washing machines, vacuum cleaners, and canned foods freed women from many time-consuming household chores. Some women found paid work outside the home. Women pursued careers. Found a variety of jobs. Still earned less than men.