“The Jazz Age” The Roaring 1920’s

Charles Lindbergh May, 1927, Charles Lindberg became the first person to fly alone across the Atlantic Ocean. His plane was called the Spirit of Saint Louis.

Changes for Women 19th Amendment to the US Constitution Gave Women the Right to Vote Many women began to hold jobs outside the home such as clerks, typist, and teachers. New inventions impacted women such as electric irons, washers, dryers, and kitchen appliances.

Flappers Symbolizing the new “liberated” woman of the 1920’s was the flapper. They were carefree young women with short “bobbed hair”, heavy make-up, and short skirts.

The Movies Hollywood, California became the center of the movie business. The first “talking film” was The Jazz Singer in 1927 Popular movie stars: Douglas Fairbanks, Gloria Swanson, Clara Bow and Charlie Chaplin

Radio KDKA in Pittsburg was the first commercial radio station. WBT Charlotte was NC’s first station.

1920’s Sports and Fads Baseball- Babe Ruth Football- Red Grange Boxing- Jack Dempsey Golf-Bobby Jones Games-Chinese Board Games, Crossword Puzzles, Fads-flagpole sitting, gold fish eating

The Jazz Age Jazz had it roots in the deep South in African American work songs. Best known jazz musicians: Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, and Bessie Smith

Harlem Renaissance African American writers and artists who gathered in the Black section of New York City and began a movement that instilled interest in African American culture. Notable authors: Langston Hughes, James Weldon Johnson, and Countee Cullen

Notable 1920’s Authors Ernest Hemingway: The Sun Also Rises, Farewell to Arms F. Scott Fitzgerald: The Great Gatsby, Tender is the Night Thomas Wolfe: Look Homeward Angel. Of Time and the River

The Automobile Age Detroit, Michigan became the center of the automobile industry. Henry Ford’s Model T sold for $300.00 and came only in black. The Model A in 1927 came in various colors. Impact of the Car: new roads, gas stations, motels,

Entertainment in the 1920’s Labor saving devices and fewer working hours gave Americans more leisure time. In their free time they enjoyed newspapers, magazines, phonograph records, movies, and radio

Prohibition of Alcohol 18th Amendment Prohibited the sale and use of alcohol. NC had allowed alcohol since 1906. Night clubs who sold illegal alcohol were called “Speakeasies.” Prohibition caused an increase in organized crime such as Al Capone in Chicago. The 21st Amendment eventually repealed prohibition in 1933.

Americans Begin the Credit Plan New products began to be bought on credit with interest payments being applied. Americans borrowed more than they could pay back.

Scopes Monkey Trials Tennessee Passed a law against the teaching of evolution. John Scopes, a high school biology teacher in Dayton, Tennessee deliberately broke the law and was supported by the American Civil Liberties Union.

William Jennings Bryan 3 Times Democratic Presidential Candidate represented the State of Tennessee

Clarence Darrow Represented John Scopes Clarence Darrow Represented John Scopes. Scopes was found guilty and fined $100.00

Rhea County Courthouse

Local History Douglas Ellington designs Art Deco Style architecture in downtown Asheville like the City Hall and First Baptist Church The Jackson Building on Pack Square was Asheville’s first skyscraper. Walt Disney worked here on the 5th floor in 1924.

Asheville First Baptist Church Architect, Douglas Ellington

Asheville City Hall Architect, Douglas Ellington