Essay on the Socio-Economic and Cultural Transformation of the 1920s

This essay provides a comprehensive analysis of the 1920s, often referred to as the "Roaring Twenties," a period of immense socio-economic and cultural transformation in American history. It examines the political landscape, marked by the return of WWI soldiers and the influence of international events like the Bolshevik Revolution, which sparked labor movements. The essay explores the economic boom driven by industrial growth, consumerism, and technological advancements, leading to increased wealth and a shift in consumer behavior. It highlights the social changes, including the empowerment of women through the 19th Amendment and the rise of minority cultures, particularly the popularity of Jazz music. The essay concludes that the 1920s was a period of significant progress for minorities and women, marked by a cultural shift towards individualism and economic prosperity, creating a sense of hope and optimism. The essay references various sources to support its analysis.

Running Head: AMERICAN HISTORY
AMERICAN HISTORY
Name of the Student:
Name of University:
Author Note:

1AMERICAN HISTORY
The decade of 1920s is very significant in the history of America due to its immense
socio-economic and cultural transformation. A series of important event occurred in this period
of time that the change the course of the entire country towards a more enlightened and positive
development. An unprecedented social transformation was placed during this period in terms of
social equality and the tradition social structure of American society was replaced by a more
liberal system (Clark, 7). The decade is identified as the ‘Roaring twenties’ due to a number of
reasons related to the politics, economy and the social cohesion. This essay is going to analyse
and evaluate the period of 1920s and find out the true meaning and background of ‘Roaring
twenties’.
From the political point of view, it can be stated that 1920s was the ‘home coming ‘phase
for US soldiers who fought in World War I. Before, WWI, they did not spend such a long time in
foreign lands. As a result of that it was a period of glory for the Americans. Moreover, the
international events also creates impact over the political discourses of United States. The
Bolshevik Revolution of 1917 had a long drawn impact over the US people especially the
working class and they started raising their voice against the capitalist exploitation (Hossain, 21).
In response to this, Ford Company initiated the welfare economic practices by providing better
salaries, facilities and other amenities for its workers so that they can make their life better.
However, under on condition that they could join any trade union. Therefore, the working class
of United States also witnessed an upliftment in their social position.
In the economic sector, the 1920s was characterised with booming industry and
emergence of consumerism. The life of common American was also changed into rapid pace and
they got enough money in their life. With the increase in mass production the changing pattern in
mass consumption became clearly visible. The advent of technology led the process to the

2AMERICAN HISTORY
epitome of success. The advertisement agencies started influencing the consumers in such a way
that the distinction between “want” and “need” became evaporated (Åkesson). It dropped the rate
of savings for all Americans and people started purchasing whatever they want. It boosted the
entire American economy and gradually America succeeded to the richest country in the world.
On the other hand, the social construction prevailed in United States before 1920s was
shattered with the blow of 19th Amendment of the US Constitution. The amendment guaranteed
the voting rights of US women. The decade was symbolised with women empowerment and
liberties. From the research of Foner (794) it can be stated that women became more sexually
free than previous generations. As a matter of fact, the minorities were also got benefitted from
the liberal period of 1920s. Afro-American music ‘Jazz’ became highly popular in the mass
culture and people started listening Jazz music in dance halls of New York City and in radio. The
writings of Lost Generation writers especially F. Scott Fitzgerald became very popular among
the younger generations.
It can be stated that the backward and minority people got the opportunity to escalate
their lifestyle and the mass culture was established with more liberty and freedom for all the
people. It is important to note that the decade of 1920s was named ‘Roaring twenties’ due to the
emergences of the backward classes (Lee, 869). The social acceptance of the Afro-American
people through their Jazz music or the empowerment of women by providing voting rights
resonated their roars for freedom and glory. An overall cultural progress made the entire
American society more lenient towards individuality rather than social norms. The economic
boom and financial growth of the middle class US people also supplemented the process further
so that it would make a society full of hope that had been lost in previous generations.

3AMERICAN HISTORY
The discussion is tried to depict a clear picture of the ‘Roaring twenties’ by analysing
different contributing factors that made the 1920s the most optimistic and positive period in the
history of United States. Both the domestic and international events played its part on the
background of the emergence of backward classes and women empowerment. The labour class
in United States started receiving handsome payments and people started purchasing products
that ushered the era of consumerism. Even in culture and society the voting rights for the women
and the growing popularity of Afro-American Jazz music made it an ultimate situation for the
minorities and women to demolish the old order and recreate a new social order of equality and
fraternity. Therefore, it can be concluded that the minorities and women can be considered as
‘Roaring twenties’.

4AMERICAN HISTORY
Reference
Åkesson, Johan. "The Failed American Dream? Representation of the American Dream in F.
Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby and Ralph Ellison’s Invisible Man." (2018).
Clark, Shellie. "The Sexual Revolution of the" Roaring Twenties": Practice or Perception?." #
History: A Journal of Student Research 1.1 (2016): 7.
Foner, Eric. Give Me Liberty! An American History: Two Volume. WW Norton & Company,
2016.
Hossain, Sanjeeda. "Machines of the Roaring Twenties and Their Effects on Flappers’
Individualism in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby." Associate Editor 12 (2016): 21.
Lee, Woong. "Slack and Slacker: Job Seekers, Job Vacancies, and Matching Functions in the US
Labor Market during the Roaring Twenties and the Great Contraction, 1924–1932." The Journal
of Economic History 76.3 (2016): 840-873.