The Jazz Age and Social Transformation

The 1920s represented a pivotal moment in American history, characterized by dramatic social and cultural changes following World War I. This period saw the emergence of new gender expressions, technological progress, and shifting values.

Definition: The Jazz Age, a term coined by F. Scott Fitzgerald, encompassed the vibrant cultural period of the 1920s marked by social liberation and artistic innovation.

Highlight: The era witnessed significant gender role reversals, with women adopting traditionally masculine styles through bobbed haircuts and shorter skirts, while some men embraced more feminine expressions.

Example: The Great Gatsby illustrates social stratification through three distinct classes: old money (Tom and Daisy), new money (Gatsby), and the working class (George Wilson).

Quote: "God is dead" became a cultural sentiment as traditional religious values gave way to hedonistic pursuits.

Vocabulary: Hedonism - the pursuit of pleasure as a primary life goal, characteristic of the era's parties and social gatherings.

The period's prosperity fostered technological advancement, with cars, telephones, and air travel becoming status symbols. Social minorities gained unprecedented acceptance, and sexual liberation, particularly for women, marked a significant departure from Victorian values. Despite Prohibition, alcohol flowed freely at social gatherings, exemplifying the era's rebellious spirit and changing social norms.