The Roaring Twenties was an era of exuberance, decadence, and liberation. It was a time of flappers, speakeasies, and jazz music. As the 1920s ushered in a new era of partying and freedom, people of all backgrounds found themselves in the midst of a cultural revolution. This was a time to be free, to dance, and to be fashionable; it was truly the era of the Flapper. From the fashion of the day to the social revolutions of the time, the Roaring Twenties embodied the spirit of revolution and rebellion. This article explores the decadence and flappers that defined the Roaring Twenties.
1. Introducing the Roaring Twenties
The Roaring Twenties was an era of cultural, political and economic exuberance. It’s a time in history when new styles and methods of expression were blossoming throughout the Western world.
The Great War had ended in 1918, marking the end of an era of austerity and unease. The 20’s was thus a time of liberation and discovery. People embraced the new technological and artistic advances that characterized the period.
Here’s a few defining aspects of the Roaring Twenties:
- Experimentation with new music genres and performance styles, such as jazz.
- The embrace of consumerism and the expansion of commerce.
- The birth of a new age of creativity and innovation.
- The emergence of a new generation of celebrities, from film stars to politicians.
The Roaring Twenties embodied change, progress and creativity, and left its distinctive cultural mark on the world. It was an extraordinary period, the extent of which truly cannot be overstated.
2. Decadence and Debauchery Reign Supreme
The roaring twenties; a time of shallow pleasures, fly-by-night partying, and general excess. Decadence and debauchery were on the rise and the public couldn’t help but get drawn into the escapades of the crazy decade.
Throughout the country decades-long oppressive regulations were cast off and replaced with frivolity and distraction. The nightclubs were buzzing with music, energy and sparky chat, and the locals were more than ready to fill every seat. People populated the clubs eager to have a good time and show off their dazzling evening wear and expensive jewelry.
If the clubs weren’t glitzing enough, then boat parties and road trips were in full swing as well. Some of the biggest events of the time, they brought everyone together who had a little bit on pocket money. Live music, dancing, and toasting made up the main pastimes of these massive occasions.
From wallpaper to waltzing, the twenties were all about overindulgence, and there was certainly no shortage of it around. Each night energetic crowds filled with passion and promise flooded the streets, celebrating life every chance they got.
3. Flappers: The Freedom Fighters of the Decade
At the roaring heart of the American Jazz Age stands the Flapper: a model, flamboyant, and empowered creature of the night. The 1920s were an era of revolution, and the Flapper was at the forefront of it. Raised under the oppressive rule of the traditional and patriarchal society, the Flapper freed herself of the sexual and social mores of their day, flaunting the rules and expectations
- Dressing the Part – The Flapper Embraced Fashion Libertines, from makeup to clothing. Breaking from the restrictive clothing of the past, flappers could be seen parading the streets in knee-length dresses, high heeled shoes and bobbed haircuts.
- Embracing Freedom – From Prohibition-era speakeasies to brazenly flirting with anyone, regardless of age or gender, the Flapper was born out of the zeitgeist of revolutionary freedom. Her existence was a statement of her generation’s path to empowerment.
- Refusing Conformity – The Jazz Age became replete with women who found joy in breaking the rules. Whether through immorality, noisy behavior, forcing their way into male-dominated fields, or simply being themselves, the Flapper refused to conform to what society expected of them.
Though some may have seen her as a disgraceful symbol of rebellion, the Flapper will forever be remembered as the revolutionary freedom fighter of the 1920s. Not only was she a determined force of liberation and defiance, but she changed the cultural landscape of America and of the world. It goes to prove that no matter the era, the right woman with the right attitude can start the revolution.
4. Luxurious Lifestyles in the “Jazz Age”
The Jazz Age, also known as the Roaring Twenties, was a period of lavish lifestyles and a booming economy in the United States. People in the higher classes experienced unprecedented luxury and flaunted it to the nth degree. Here are some of the key components of the luxurious lifestyles during this decade.
- Fancy cars. Rolls-Royce, Duesenberg, and Auburn automobiles were all the rage. Aspiring to these fine models was seen as a status symbol, driving in luxury around town with the top down.
- Upmarket apparel. Clothes were made from higher-quality fabrics like silk and velvet. People competed with one another to have the most fashionable outfit, and donned fancy hats to complete their evening look.
- Lavish parties. Evening soirees full of dancing and music were the norm. These affairs were punctuated with hors d’oeuvres made from the finest ingredients, and cocktails crafted from premium liquor.
- Exotic getaways. Traveling to far-flung locations like Paris was no longer a dream – it became reality for the upper-class elites, who sought out cultural experiences and built up their travel tales.
The Jazz Age was a period that many still look back on as a time of glamour and extravagance. The lifestyles lived during this decade were truly luxurious and unforgettable.
5. The End of an Era: Recap of the Roaring Twenties
The twenties were a unique moment in history. From the rise of the consumer economy to Babe Ruth’s record-breaking season, there was no moment like it. Here’s a look at how the era concluded.
- Stock Market Crash – The morning of October 24th 1929 was the moment reality caught up with the decade-long “party” on Wall Street. Tens of millions of dollars evaporated in a matter of hours, leading to one of the most notorious economic crisis in history.
- Decline of Prohibition – Ratified 1919, the 18th amendment banned the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcohol. After a decade of trying, prohibition came to a crashing halt. By 1933, the 18th Amendment was repealed, once again giving Americans access to legally sold alcohol.
- End of Herrmann’s Act – Signed in 1918, this legislation inscribed the military draft, making able-bodied men aged 18-45 liable for military service. The draft ended in spring 1924, giving young men the freedom to pursue whatever opportunities sparked their interests.
Despite the difficulties, the 1920s were a watershed moment in history. The decade showcased how far society had progressed in freeing itself from the superstitions and moral chains of 19th century life. Even after the crash of 1929, modern culture was here to stay.
The end of the roaring twenties marked the end of an era, one which left us with so much. So, let us remember the advancements made in technology, culture, and economics which ultimately guided society forward into the present day.
As we commemorate the Roaring Twenties, it’s important to remember its many legacies: from the excesses of jazz and art to the beginnings of a new type of female liberation. Its unique combination of social progress and wild excess certainly made it a ‘roaring’ decade, mirroring the disillusionment and optimism of a generation on the move. It’s a period of history that will continue to be remembered for its beauty and extravagance- a vivid testament to the changes that can come about with a new generation.
