Education and Popular Culture Ch. 13, Section 3 Main Idea: The mass media, movies, and spectator sports played important roles in creating the popular culture of the 1920s– a culture that many artists and writers criticized.

Think of 3 well-known Americans you consider a personal hero. Why are they famous? What makes them admirable?

Education and Media Influence Culture The 1920’s see a massive spike in high school enrollment. By 1926, the number reaches 4 million. A 3 million increase from 1914. Why the Increase? The United States has become the world’s largest economy, post-World War I. Able to transition from wartime economy to peacetime economy. Soldiers return home from Europe with money to spend and products to buy.

High School Prior to the 1920’s, high schools centered their education systems to only college-bound students. As industry continued to expand, the need for a skilled labor force grew. High Schools began to offer a broad range of courses for student’s interested in vocational jobs. Are you involved in any vocational courses?

Remember all the Immigrants? Prior to World War I, close to 1 million immigrants entering the country each year. Their children are now filling classrooms in cities across the country. Most don’t speak English. Teachers are tasked with the challenge of teaching immigrants to read and write. The 16th amendment allowed for tax dollars to be spent on public education. $2.7 billion a year by the mid-1920’s.

Mass Media Increased literacy rates led to more newspaper circulation. Editors began using sensational-style headers to hook in readers. Mass-circulation magazines began to thrive in the 20’s. Summarized weekly news, both foreign and domestic. What types of mass media do we utilize today?

Emergence of the Radio The first radio stations begin broadcasting in early 20’s Quickly becomes the most powerful form of mass communication. Able to draw in millions of listeners in real-time. Able to hear the voice of their president or listen to the World Series live. Where do you get a majority of your news?

American Heroes are Born Increased leisure time leads to Americans spending more money on entertainment. Professional sports also become key part of American life. Sports celebrities such as Babe Ruth, Jim Thorpe, and Helen Willis become household names.

We’re Flying! Perhaps the most beloved household name was Charles Lindbergh. Successfully completes the first non-stop flight across the Atlantic Ocean. Departs from New York City and lands in Paris 33 hours later. Becomes instant celebrity. Paves the way for future pilots such as Amelia Earhart.

Nightlife The movie industry begins to transition from silent films to “talkies.” Americans flock to the movie theatres every week, doubling movie attendance. Walt Disney debuts first animated film, Steamboat Willie. Plays began to reflect themes that everyday Americans could relate to, such as family conflict.

What about the Writers? Writers also began to put forward novels that reflected the lifestyle of the 20’s. Some authors like Sinclair Lewis ridiculed Americans for becoming too influenced by consumerism and materialistic things. F. Scott Fitzgerald novel, The Great Gatsby, reveals some of the negative aspects of American society during the 20’s. Portrayed rich and attractive Americans living immoral lives in a corrupt society. Other writers relocated to Europe because they were so enraged by American culture.