The “Roaring Twenties”
Great Jazz Musicians Duke Ellington Duke was a legendary American Jazz composer, pianist, and band leader. He was active until his death in He was a grandson of a former slave and started his career at the age of seven when he took piano lessons. Video
Great Jazz Musicians Bessie Smith Bessie was one of the most influential performers in Blues history. She has had an impact on many modern day musicians. In 1980, she was inducted into the Blues Foundation Hall of Fame. Video
Herman Melville Call me Ishmael. Some years ago - never mind how long precisely - having little or no money in my purse, and nothing particular to interest me on shore, I thought I would sail about a little and see the watery part of the world. It is a way I have of driving off the spleen, and regulating the circulation. Herman Melville, Moby-Dick Writers of the 1920’s
F. Scott Fitzgerald "Whenever you feel like criticizing any one...just remember that all the people in this world haven't had the advantages that you've had." - F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby Writers of the 1920’s
Poet’s of the 1920’s I, Too, Sing America I, too, sing America. I am the darker brother. They send me to eat in the kitchen When company comes, But I laugh, And eat well, And grow strong. Tomorrow, I'll be at the table When company comes. Nobody'll dare Say to me, "Eat in the kitchen," Then. Besides, They'll see how beautiful I am And be ashamed-- I, too, am America. Langston Hughes
Dorothy Parker Daylight Saving My answers are inadequate To those demanding day and date And ever set a tiny shock Through strangers asking what's o'clock; Whose days are spent in whittling rhyme- What's time to her, or she to Time? Poet’s of the 1920’s
Pablo Picasso Artist’s of the 1920’s He was a Spanish painter and sculptor who became one of the most recognized figures in 20 th Century art. The style of art he co-founded is Cubism. In this style, objects are broken up, analyzed, and re-assembled in an abstract form. It has been estimated that he produced about 13,500 paintings, 100,000 engravings, 34,000 book illustrations and 300 sculptures.
Georgia O’Keefe Artist’s of the 1920’s As a child she received art lessons at home, and her abilities were quickly recognized and encouraged by teachers throughout her school years. By the time she graduated from high school, O'Keeffe had determined to make her way as an artist. She has been a major figure on American art since the 1920’s. She is chiefly known for paintings of flowers, rocks, shells, animal bones, and landscapes.
New Technology The Model T was the first affordable mass produced car. By 1928, it costs $ At this time 20% of all Americans owned automobiles. This production led to other industries growing. For instance: rubber, plate glass, leather, petroleum, motels, garages, and restaurants. Roads also had to be made which created many new jobs. Video
New Technology Washing Machine Vacuum Cleaner Toaster Telephone Lightbulb Refrigerator
Flying Heroes Charles Lindbergh Video At 25, he flew across the Atlantic Ocean solo. The trip from New York, to France took 33.5 hours. It made him an international hero.
Flying Heroes Amelia Earhart She held many flying records, and was the first woman to fly across the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. In an attempt to fly around the world, she disappeared. Video
Flying Heroes Bessie Coleman The first African American woman pilot. She performed at air shows and taught aviation. Video
Entertainment Radio Talking Movies People were listening to radio for 4.5 hours a day. They would hear: music, news, sporting events, comedy shows, and soap operas. Motion Pictures were silent except for music played live in the theater. This changed in 1926 when a new sound system was introduced. A wax record would be synchronized with the film. The first film released this way was “Don Juan”. Many people believed it would never replace the silent films. When “The Jazz Singer” was released it changed their pictures forever. Video
Mickey Mouse is arguably the most famous of the Disney cartoon characters. Making his debut in "Steamboat Willie" at the Colony Theatre in New York City on November 18, 1928, Mickey went on to star in over 120 different cartoons. He also starred in "The Mickey Mouse Club" television show of the 1950s. Entertainment Mickey Mouse
Women in the 20’s
The Roaring Twenties This time of excitement did not last forever. Hard times were ahead for all Americans.