America 1.2 Social and Cultural Development Flashcards
Where was Jazz popular? Who did it provide opportunities to? What were criticisms of it? (AM 1.2)
- Originating in the south, from African-Americans. Popular in northern cities.
- African-Americans, such as Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Bessie Smith.
- Older generation thought it was too drunk and sexualised.
How large were cinema audiences in 1919 and 1930? How were stars handled, who were they? How many films were released a year by 1929? What was the first talkie? (AM 1.2)
- 35m to 100m.
- Star system granted media access to stars like Charlie Chaplin, Rudolf Valentino and Clara Bow.
- 500.
- The Jazz Singer, 1927.
What criticisms did film face, how were they handled? (AM 1.2)
-Older Americans thought it was too sexual, so the Hays Code was introduced after threats of bans.
Who was Babe Ruth, how much did he make? How was sport made popular to a mass audience? (AM 1.2)
- Baseball player, earning 80,000 a year in 1930 (7m in modern money).
- Radio, news, magazines.
What were some crazes of the 1920s? (AM 1.2)
- Crosswords.
- Mahjong.
- Marathon dancing and pole sitting.
What was the role of women before the war? (AM 1.2)
- Restricted lives, could not vote.
- Expected to behave and dress sensibly.
- Poor women had few opportunities and low paying, low skill work.
What was the role of women during the war? How many had jobs in 1929? (AM 1.2)
- Took over men’s jobs, working just as hard.
- This led to them gaining the vote in 1920.
- 10.5m, 25% more than 1920.
How did women’s lives change? (AM 1.2)
- Many lived alone.
- Divorce rate doubled in the 1920s.
- More revealing clothes, public drinking/smoking.
- Surveys revealed significantly more had sex before marriage in 1920 than 1900.
What was a flapper? What did they do? (AM 1.2)
- Mid/Upper class northern women.
- Dressed more revealing, danced, went to clubs.
Who disliked flappers, and what did they form in protest? (AM 1.2)
-Traditional and religious people. Anti-Flirt League formed in protest.
