1. How far did the position of women change in American society during the 1920s?

2. Learning objective – to be able to identify and explain the degree of change for the position of women in US society in the 1920s I can describe some of the features of the role of women in US society in the 1920s. Grade D I can explain the changes in the role of women in US society during the 1920s. Grade B I can explain and assess the impact of the changing role of women in US society during the 1920s. Grade A

3. Starter – Generally, women in th eworkplace increased in the 1920, however one type of work saw a decline in women workers – which type of work was it?

4. Answer – farm work. The amount of women workers in farms declined by 20% in the 1920s

5. What was the impact of the First World War on the position of women in US society? Women replaced men in the workplace during the First World War. Millions of women took the place of men in factories, although for much lower wages. This gave women the confidence that they could do certain labour work as good as men as well as greater sense of independence. On the strength of this President Wilson urged the Senate the grant women the right to vote. This they did with the 19 th Amendment to the Constitution in 1920.

6. What was the flapper? Allowing women the right to vote increased the sense of independence for women and triggered ‘the flapper phenomenon’. The main characteristics of a flapper were – Middle or upper class women from the north. Financially independent. Wore more revealing clothing with shorter hairstyles. Adopted ‘masculine’ habits, such as smoking, drinking and gambling.

7. What was the impact of the ‘flapper phenomenon’? Flappers got their name from the style that women adopted of not tying the laces on their boots, allowing them to ‘flap around’. This was a derogatory term from those who disapproved of this new fashion. This disapproval was even shown in the formation of the Anti-Flirt League which campaigned against ‘loose behaviour’. Greater sexual promiscuity and daring behaviour, such as close partner dancing, such as the Charleston. For many working and poorer women and from those in the south, the flapper phenomenon did not impact on their lives.

8. What was the impact of the ‘flapper phenomenon’ on domestic life? Many flappers took advantage of the employment opportunities that the boom provided. This gave them freedom and a part of creating the consumer boom. Many flappers married and adjusted their behaviour accordingly. However, many took advantage the labour saving devices on offer to have more time for social activities. Some even continued to work.

9. Tasks Work though the tasks on the worksheet. This diagram will help you complete most of the tasks.

10. Plenary This word cloud summarises the content of today’s lesson. Pick out the three most important words and explain why they summarise your learning in the lesson.