The 1920s: An Era of Change and Inspiration

The 1920s marked a significant period in American history. Known as "The New Era," or "The Roaring Twenties," this decade was traced by economic prosperity and an uprising of a new culture that included changes in technology, consumption, fashion, social life and politics. Now that World War I had come to an end, the country could, as President Warren Harding stated, "return to a state of normalcy." Its GDP increased at a steady and tremendous rate[1] and it gave thousands of Americans opportunities to work. 

The period was also defined as the Jazz Age, where jazz music, flappers, late nights of dancing, and socializing in bars and clubs became the markers for American social life. Additionally, it was a time of several technological advancements and inventions, including the radio, and high consumption. Because of the country's economic prosperity, new advancements could be made and people could purchase more. [2]

While the 1920s was a vibrant era of all of these cultural and economic excitements, the US was also faced with certain political strife. Prohibition of the manufacturing and selling of alcohol was instituted in 1920 to reduce the amount of drinking, but within a year the goals of this policy backfired and there was an increase in the illegal buying and selling of alcohol. The Ku Klux Klan also regenerated its activity, this time not only focusing on African Americans, but also on Jews and Catholics. Other issues involving gender roles, immigration, religion and sexual identity also added to the cultural and political struggles of the time.[3] However, in spite of all of these events, debates and concerns, the 1920s is still thought to be an exciting time in American history. As can be see in Fitzgerald's work, there were certainly many issues that needed to be addressed about where the country was headed, even when focusing on the positive aspects of the decade.

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[1] Pettinger, T. "Inflation, Deflation and Best Way to Measure It." Economics Essays. Feb. 2009. Web. 21 Mar. 2011. <http://econ.economicshelp.org/2009_03_01_archive.html>.

[2] Digital History: “The Jazz Age: The American 1920s.” Web. 26 Mar. 2011. < http://www.digitalhistory.uh.edu/database/article_display.cfm?HHID=437>

[3] Brinkley, Alan. The Unfinished Nation. Vol. 2. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2010. Print.