The 1920’s Post World War I brought prosperity to America – plentiful jobs, rising incomes and new consumer goods. Industrial development reshaped work and the workforce. However, organized labor and farmers suffered. President Coolidge believed “the business of America is business.” Unemployment was 3- 4%. Wages for most families had incomes of less than $2,000 a year and as low as $725 per year for the lowest 40%.

Decade of First Charles Lindbergh made first non-stop flight from New York to Paris st Mickey Mouse talking film, Steamboat Willie released 1929 start of the stock market crash st radio broadcast Woment get their 1st vote 1st transcontential airmail route established 1921 first Miss America pageant st form of television invented st talking movie, The Jazz Singer released

Changes in Work and the Work Force Small businesses lost to large chains: Woolworth, JCPenny, Western Auto. Family farms could not compete with large scale farms, better machines, irriagation systems, and migrant workers. Bumper crops and overproduction caused farm prices to drop. Speed and efficiency became linked to production and profits. Production became rote and boring. The work force turn-over rose to 380% Unsatisfying work, higher wages and more leisure time lead to consumption of goods and services – spectator sports, movies, a new form of music, jazz, gave America access to limitless activities Consumer debt doubled between 1920 and 1929.

Prohibition turned bars and saloons into “speakeasies”. Organized crime expanded and by 1930 Al Capone’s profits were $15 billion and more than the income of the federal government.

Pleasure, leisure, consumption and individualism Movies and songs explored sexual topics and fun. Men were encouraged to dote on children and be better companions to their wives. Children were indulged and enjoyed toys and pleasure. Youth was glorified. Families became smaller. Divorce rates increased. Individual happiness and fulfillment became the focus. An Assertive,independent “New Woman” emerged claiming a right to attend school, vote, and have a career.

The Flapper became the most popular image of the 1920’s Short hair Bound breast Bobbed hair Exposed arms and legs She probably wore cosmetics and smoked – practices commonly associated with prostitutes.

F. Scott Fitzgerald’s publication of This Side of Paradise written in 1920 drew attention to post WW I youthful affairs and the wealthy’s extravagant life style. He became the king of kings to American youth and give voice to The Jazz Age, a phrase he coined.

The Great Gatsby is a literary document of the 1920’s. It is a semi- autobiographical fiction of the priviledged lives of the wealthy, glob- trotting, aspiring socialities.

The American Dream Like his charcter Nick, Fitzgerald found his new life exciting and seductive. He also saw through the glitter to the hypocrisy and lack of a moral center. His character Gatsby, like Fitzgerald, becomes a tragic example of both sides of the American dream – the joys of love, wealth and success and the tragedies associated with excess and failure.

The American Dream The Great Gatsby What does the novel say about the condition of the American dream in the 1920s? How does Gatsby represent the American dream? In what ways do the themes of dreams, wealth and time relate to each other in the novel’s exploration of the idea of America?