The Roaring Twenties America in the 1920’s

In bringing forth the historical context of a novel, we enhance our understanding of the novel itself.

Important points for Gatsby: Flappers, Suffrage, & “The New Women” Jazz Age Advertisements & Consumerism Prohibition & Gambling

The “New Women” of the 1920’s After WWI, there was an emphasis on breaking rules- one rule being the age old conventions guiding the behavior of women. Flappers The “New Women” of the 1920’s

What changed? Women at Work Women’s Suffrage Changes in Fashion In the 1920’s, more women entered the workplace as opposed to “homemaking” Women’s Suffrage In 1919, women were finally (and officially) given the right to vote Changes in Fashion Women traded in their more conservative clothes of the past, and sported “short” dresses that exposed the calves. Women also cut their hair to “boy length” bobs

“Improvised and wild,” Jazz broke the “rules” of music at the time “Improvised and wild,” Jazz broke the “rules” of music at the time. It became increasingly popular through new technology such as the RADIO and the PHONOGRAPH Jazz Age Breaking more rules

Advertisements, Reckless Spending and Consumption Buying on Credit New Products CARS- Ford’s Model T still popular, new cadillac Kitchenaid Mixers Hoover Vacuums General Electric Refrigerators

Prohibition & Gambling 1920 START OF PROHIBITION September 1920 BLACK SOCKS GAMBLING SCANDAL 1933 END OF PROHIBITION

Old Money vs. New Money Wealth most likely came from a grand inheritance Often times did not work- or worked little hours Wealth came from new business ventures (entrepreneurs) Hard workers- earned their living within their lifetime Emphasis on “high class” behavior and manners Did not have the knowledge of “high class” behaviors, and were often judged for it Very Exclusive- family ties go back for generations, and last names meant a lot Work to keep money in their family More likely to spend more money