1. The Roaring Twenties
America in the 1920’s

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

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

4. 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

5. 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

6. “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

7. 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

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

9. 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