The Roaring Twenties

CRIME and LIFE IN THE ROARING

TWENTIES:

-Prohibition (the illegalization of alcohol)

helped give rise to organized crime, particularly
in large cities like Chicago and New York. (Al
Capone and “Bugsy” Moran)

-Life after the war was good. Technological

innovations and increased efficiency provided
opportunities to many people. Convenience
became more important to consumers.
Electricity became more widespread.

.

THE NEW WOMAN:

-August 1920, Nineteenth Amendment ratified, giving women

the right to vote

-Many who worked during the War wanted to keep working.

Traditional roles for women changed.

-Clothing styles changed too, knee-length dresses replaced

ankle-length dresses and corsets

-Haircuts became short

-Women went out without

chaperones and danced,
drank and smoked

-“Flappers”: Term given to young

women prone to these
“new” trends

MUSIC:

Jazz is born. Relied on

improvisation

The Blues were born
Based on black folk music and often

sung about loneliness, poverty, lost
love, jealousy.

-The “Charleston” dance is born

Shown in a movie