1. Society in the 1920s

2. Circumstances…. Urban Society
For the first time ever the population of those that lived in urban areas outnumbered those In rural areas.
Agricultural production became efficient, causing farmers to enter into a depression. Why?
Farming became less prosperous because fewer farms were needed to fill the demand for agricultural goods. What do those out of work farmers do?
Move to urban areas in search of work in factories (which are benefiting from mass production/assembly line technology)

3. Circumstances… Black Migration North
Crop failures in the south (Cotton) forced white landowners into bankruptcy.
Black sharecroppers forced off land
Moved north in search of jobs.
Black neighborhoods (“Ghettos”) formed in major urban areas

4. Circumstances… Consumer Economy
As factories sprouted up more and more were produced to satisfy the needs and wants of the “everyday” American.

6. Literature

7. Literature Langston Hughes I, too sing America.
I am the darker brother.
They send me to eat in the kitchen
When company comes,
But I laugh,
And eat well,
And grow strong.
Tomorrow,
I’ll be at the table
When company comes.
Nobody’ll dare
Say to me,
Eat in the kitchen,
Then.
Besides, they’ll see how beautiful I am
And be ashamed—
I, too, am America.
Langston Hughes

8. Women: The Flappers Changes In Appearance and Actions Short Hair
Shorter Skirts
Make up
Smoked

9. Chicago, 1922. Female Beach Goers Arrested for Indecent Exposure
Women
Chicago, Female Beach Goers
Arrested for Indecent Exposure

10. Why the cultural shift? Urbanization and the “new” economy
On the farm there were no days off, there was no “quitting time”, and once it got dark you were done for the day.
With standardized work days, electricity, and days off there was more time for leisure activities
Better economic conditions created more social opportunities

11. Reaction
How did “traditionalists” react to the new entertainment?

12. But has anything changed?
“Women wore short hair and lacked decency”

13. “Music Lyrics are too vulgar”
Do I really need to point this one out with examples?

14. “Dancing is too vulgar and sexual”