Cultural Innovations Coach Crews U.S. History

Vocabulary Bohemian Mass media Jazz Blues Vocabulary quiz tomorrow

Art and Literature The modernists of the American art movement attempted to express the __________________ . Examples of this can be seen in the landscapes and flowers painted by __________________ and the cubism of the paintings of __________________ . In the 1920s writers and poets wrote about various subjects and used a variety of styles to express their thoughts. American playwright __________________ wrote plays that offered a modern view of life while novelist __________________ wrote of his disillusionment with World War I.

Art and Artists of the 1920’s John Marin – One of the most influential early modern artists, he was best known for abstract landscapes and watercolors depicting cities as living landscapes. Charles Sheeler – An artist who was among the first to incorporate photography into his work, Sheeler emphasized linear precision in his work. Edward Hopper – A realist painter, Hopper’s work emphasized isolation across both rural and urban America. Georgia O’Keefe – Mainly known for her naturalistic imagery, O’Keefe was chiefly responsible for legitimizing American art across the globe.

Literature of the 1920’s Carl Sandburg – Used poetry to glorify everyday life and common places F. Scott Fitzgerald – Fostered a criticism of upper classes Eugene O’Neill – Wrote to express realism and tragedy Ernest Hemingway – Developed a literature of the postwar “Lost Generation”

Popular Culture Many Americans had more spending money and leisure time because of the __________________ of the 1920s. __________________ was the first “talking” motion picture. One of the most popular composers of the decade was __________________, who wrote “Puttin’ on the Ritz.” Amos ’n’ Andy was a popular __________________ that portrayed the lives of two African American fictional characters. One of the effects of mass media was that it helped to __________________ the nation. Because of radio and motion pictures, __________________ increased in popularity. The home-run hitter __________________ became a national hero. Sports fans idolized boxer __________________ .

Popularity of Movies, Radio, and Sports Silent films and “talkies” took the nation by storm, creating a new breed of celebrity and entertainment. Movie theaters became especially popular in Southern states like Florida because they provided air-conditioning. Popularity of radio broadcasts increased as several powerful radio broadcasters developed. Thanks to the new media technologies, sports such as baseball became more popular than ever.

Why did art become more increasingly abstract? How did mass media and sports help the U.S. develop a popular culture?