By Lola Soto, Staff Reporter
The 1920s are considered memorable primarily for their booming economy, bodacious flappers, bouncy jazz music, and the unsuccessful prohibition. Be it so, the roaring '20s were not all glitz and glamour. A multitude of life-changing, groundbreaking events altered the trajectory of history, impacting modern society to this day.
Prohibition began in 1920 with the passing of the 18th amendment, banning all forms of manufacturing, distributing, and consuming alcohol. This was met with immediate backlash, influencing an entire generation to fight back with speakeasies, gang violence, and an overall rise in organized crime. Notorious throughout the prohibition was American gangster Al Capone, who dominated organized crime and the underground alcohol trade.
Ratification of the 19th amendment granted women the right to vote in 1920. This meant that every state west of the Mississippi river was finally required to allow women the opportunity to vote. However, this did leave some lose ends as women of racial minority backgrounds unfortunately fell victim to discrimination and attempts to prevent voting accessibility until 1965.
Following the violence of WWI, European artists and authors dubbed the era “the lost generation” introduced the concept of modernism to America. This primarily included death, a loss of meaning or purpose in life, disorientation, and a lack of belief in the concept of the American dream. Some famous authors and artists included: Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Edward Hopper.
The Ku Klux Klan ravaged American neighborhoods, targeting and attacking anyone not of northern European descent. These violent attacks instilled fear among racial minorities, and their sporadic attack strategies made it unpredictable to infer when an attack would take place.
Radios were also introduced to the average American household at rapid speed in the '20s. For the first time in history, people could receive radio broadcasts of music, comedy, and more from the comfort of their own homes. With easy access to news and entertainment, the nation united and formed lifestyle trends, fashion trends, and societal expectations.
The 1920s certainly roared in more ways than one. Hopefully, 2020 reflects only the most exciting parts of history and learns from past mistakes.
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