# data[].attributes.attachment_link.authors[].name
Posted by Jason DeLuca on February 03, 2022

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Join us as Historian, Kevin Draper, takes us on a virtual tour of the rich history of Harlem and the Jazz Age.

# data[].attributes.body
What leisure emerged at that time? Recap.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Imagine a world without smartphones, video games, or even television. A world where entertainment was found in the simpler things, where people gathered together for a night of fun and frivolity.

The 1920s were a time of significant change and innovation, and the way people entertained themselves was no exception. So, what did they do for entertainment in the 1920s? Join me on a journey through the past and discover the answer to this intriguing question.

The Rise of Jazz Music

You'll love how jazz music burst onto the scene in the 1920s, captivating hearts and setting a lively tone for the decade!

This period often called the Jazz Age, was marked by an explosion of creativity and innovation in music. Jazz quickly became a symbol of freedom and self-expression, allowing listeners to break free from traditional constraints and embrace new rhythms. The genre was born from African American musical traditions, such as blues and ragtime, blended with European harmonies and structures to create something fresh.

During this decade, jazz spread like wildfire internationally across the United States. People could dance to this electrifying music at speakeasies or enjoy live performances by legends like Louis Armstrong or Duke Ellington.

Even today, you can't help but feel that same infectious sense of liberation when listening to those iconic tunes from the 1920s - they continue to inspire generations with their timeless charm!

Silent Films and Movie Theaters

Imagine sitting in a dimly lit movie theater, entranced by the flickering images of silent films on the big screen, as live music accompanied the dramatic and comedic scenes unfolding before you.

This was one of the most popular forms of entertainment in the 1920s, as people flocked to theaters to escape from their daily lives and lose themselves in stories full of romance, adventure, and laughter.

Silent films were not only an opportunity for people to engage with captivating narratives but also allowed them to experience a new form of visually stunning and emotionally compelling art.

During this era, some key aspects made silent films such an enjoyable experience:

The live musical accompaniment

There was no synchronized sound yet for movies, so musicians played live scores with each film. These scores could range from simple piano melodies to full orchestras filling grand theaters with powerful compositions.

The talented actors and actresses

Stars like Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, Mary Pickford, and Rudolph Valentino captivated audiences with their expressive performances conveying emotions without words. Their physical comedy skills and emotive faces created memorable characters that still resonate today.

As you can see, this period marked significant milestones in entertainment history. Silent films escape reality while offering artistic experiences that continue to influence modern cinema. So, please take a moment to appreciate these early beginnings of filmmaking as they paved the way for our current cinematic escapes!

Dance Halls and Speakeasies

Let's not forget the alluring dance halls and speakeasies of the 1920s, where people gathered to socialize, dance, and enjoy a clandestine drink or two!

Dance halls were popular spots for young adults in the 1920s, offering an escape from daily life and a chance to let loose on the dance floor. The Charleston, Fox Trot, and Tango were just some of the spirited dances that defined this era. These lively venues often featured live music from jazz bands and orchestras, creating an electrifying atmosphere perfect for showing off your best moves.

Speakeasies added another layer of intrigue to entertainment during this time. With Prohibition in full swing, underground bars offered patrons an opportunity to indulge in their favorite libations away from prying eyes. Dimly lit with secret entrances and passwords required for entry, these establishments became havens for those seeking freedom in a restrictive age.

You'd find people dressed to impress while enjoying live entertainment such as jazz performances or cabaret shows - all while sipping on illicit cocktails crafted by talented bartenders who took pride in their secretive craft.

Popular Sports of the Era

In the 1920s, you'd find yourself swept up in the excitement of popular sports, where athletes captivated audiences and became national heroes.

Baseball was America's favorite pastime, with legendary players like Babe Ruth smashing records and drawing massive crowds to games.

Football was also gaining popularity as college teams developed fierce rivalries, and the National Football League (NFL) began its journey toward becoming a powerhouse in professional sports.

Boxing matches were thrilling showdowns between powerful contenders, with icons like Jack Dempsey dominating headlines and capturing imaginations nationwide.

Horse racing provided another avenue for entertainment, as people from all walks of life flocked to racetracks to place bets on their favored steeds.

Auto racing had Americans on the edge of their seats as drivers pushed themselves and their machines to the limit in daring competitions such as the Indianapolis 500.

Golf courses sprung across the country, offering leisurely yet challenging pursuits for those who preferred more relaxed entertainment.

Tennis also enjoyed increased popularity during this time, with stars like Bill Tilden captivating fans on and off the court.

In many ways, it was an era defined by new freedoms - including newfound freedom to indulge in live sporting events that captured hearts and minds while fostering a sense of unity among spectators.

Radio: Bringing Entertainment Home

You'd be amazed to learn that by the end of the 1920s, over 12 million American households owned a radio, transforming the way people enjoyed their favorite pastimes and revolutionizing home entertainment.

Radios brought news, music, and drama directly into people's living rooms, giving them unprecedented access to information and culture. For the first time in history, families could gather around the radio set to listen to live broadcasts of sporting events or follow along with their favorite serialized dramas - no need for tickets or traveling.

This newfound freedom allowed everyday folks to stay informed about world events while also escaping into thrilling stories from the comfort of their own homes.

News broadcasting: The advent of radio introduced a new era in journalism as it provided real-time reporting on significant local and global events. People no longer had to wait for newspapers; they could immediately tune in and hear breaking news.

Music programs: Radio stations played an eclectic mix of musical styles such as jazz, classical, and popular tunes from Broadway shows which helped create a shared cultural experience among listeners nationwide.

Serialized dramas: Families gathered around their radios each week for beloved serials like 'Amos 'n' Andy' and 'The Lone Ranger.' These programs sparked imaginations across America as people listened intently with bated breath for every cliffhanger ending.

In this age where we're accustomed to instant gratification through streaming services and digital media platforms, it's fascinating how radio once held that power over society in its golden age during the 1920s. So go ahead - take a moment to appreciate just how far technology has come since then, but remember the liberating feeling that radios brought into countless American homes almost a century ago!

Conclusion

In the 1920s, the world was undergoing a transformation in entertainment. The decade saw the emergence of new forms of entertainment that would change the industry forever. Jazz music, for example, exploded onto the scene, with musicians such as Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington pioneering a new sound that would captivate audiences for decades to come. The cinema also became a popular form of entertainment during this time, with films such as The Jazz Singer, the first "talkie" movie, revolutionizing the film industry.

Radio was another significant development in entertainment during the 1920s. The first commercial radio station, KDKA in Pittsburgh, began broadcasting in 1920, and soon after, radio sets were being produced and sold across the country. People could now listen to music, news, and live broadcasts from the comfort of their own homes, a revolutionary concept at the time.

Despite new forms of entertainment, some traditional activities remained popular in the 1920s. Board games, card games, and puzzles were still a favorite pastime, while dance halls and theaters remained popular venues for socializing and entertainment.

Looking back at the 1920s, it's clear that it was a decade of remarkable change and innovation in entertainment. The era produced some of the most iconic and influential musicians, films, and radio shows ever. Although how we entertain ourselves has evolved dramatically since then, it's fascinating to look back at the past and see how people once found joy and entertainment in the simpler things. The 1920s were a golden entertainment era that will forever be remembered for its creativity and innovation.

Related Articles

Frequently Asked Questions

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Roaring Twenties Revisited: What Did They Do for Entertainment in the 1920s?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The 1920s were a time of significant change and innovation, and the way people entertained themselves was no exception. So, what did they do for entertainment

# data[].attributes.headline
Art and culture in the Roaring Twenties. 

# data[].attributes.subject
Art and culture in the Roaring Twenties. 

# data[].attributes.body
Go to the "Art and Culture" part and summarize it.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The Roaring Twenties was a period when many things changed - both socially and politically. The dramatic economic growth of the decade led many Americans to adopt a totally different, more affluent lifestyle unknown to most people before this age. It was also the first time many people could live in cities rather than on farms or in small towns. The promise of the Golden Twenties was not, however, limited to the United States. Much of Western Europe, including Germany, England, and France took part in its glory. And it also totally overturned existing art and culture.

The 1920s were a time during which many of the artistic greats of modern history found their inspiration, thanks in part to the liberation of their artistic spirits. Ernest Hemingway, William Faulkner, and the Fitzgeralds - The Great Gatsby being a description of moral decline, prohibition, and life during the 1920s - were only some of them. When it came to art, many, many exciting things happened during this period. Shall we look at a few examples?

Women and Fashion

The Roaring Twenties was a period when the symbol of a woman was - at least in pop culture - characterized by short, bobbed hair, cigarette smoking, drinking, and fighting for A great example of that is the autoportrait Tamara de Lempicka painted of herself in women's voting rights. The image was certainly that of a new kind of woman. Another source of novelty was, for example, the trend to place pictures of women driving automobiles into women's magazines, even though the vast majority of car buyers and drivers were men. a green Bugatti. One of her most recognizable pieces is a great example of the femme fatale of the Roaring Twenties.

When it came to fashion, floor-length dresses were exchanged for knee-length ones, as women were finally allowed to show some skin. Coco Chanel was the most recognizable fashion icon of the times, known and loved for her avant-garde designs made for the modern woman, who really came to life during the Roaring Twenties.

Together with the first trousers, flapper dresses, and bobbed hair came high-heeled shoes, hats, and fancy jewelry. Various shoes were fashionable such as the low-heeled "finale hopper" shoes and the high overshoes, as well as galoshes.

A simple cut and a golden silk pattern, often worn with long gloves and wavy hair, make a really good 1920s look.

We can also admire the Roaring Twenties fashion in photographs taken by Dora Kallmus - aka Madame d'Ora. She was an Austrian photographer who captured fashion and portraits. Kallmus opened a studio in Vienna, Austria where she took pictures not only of Tamara de Lempicka but also of other famous women like Josephine Baker and Coco Chanel.

The Roaring Twenties in Art and Culture

The 1920s were a time for new and captivating art to be created. New styles, namely Surrealism and Art Deco, were the leading techniques during the 1920s.

Amongst the most famous artists of the period were the painter Edward Hopper and his scenes of solitude in America, the famous fashion illustrator and creator of witty portraits Georges Lepape, and the great Tamara de Lempicka featured above.

The image above, on the right, is an example of what fashion looked like in the 1920s. A young woman is playing golf and looking quite fashionable in her knee-length skirt. was first released in the United States in 1892 as a newspaper and, only 24 years later, published as a monthly magazine about fashion and lifestyle.

The Roaring Twenties were also known as the times of the Harlem Renaissance. African-American art and the literary culture movement developed in New York's Harlem district.

These creative times left a rich output of color, impressions, and new ideas that changed not only people's thinking and their perception of the world but also played a huge role in art, music, fashion as well as history. What would the world be like nowadays without the elegance of Art Deco, the first fashion icon Coco Chanel, or The Great Gatsby?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
What Was It Like in the Roaring Twenties in Art and Fashion?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The Roaring Twenties were a period during which many things changed - socially, politically, artistically and culturally.

# data[].attributes.body
Sum up what you found in your own words!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Learn more about the lives of women in the USA in this podcast.

New opportunities versus traditional restrictions

Advertisements in the 1920s showed women operating shiny new appliances or driving cars. However, the experiences of many women during this period were less positive. For example:

Although more women joined the workforce in the 1920s, their wages were usually lower than those of men in the same jobs.

The greater freedom promised by labour-saving devices only affected the lives of urban women. Around a third of American homes, mainly in rural areas, did not have electricity. For many other women, the traditional role of looking after the family continued alongside the need to earn a living outside the home.

From 1920, all women had the right to vote through the 19th Amendment, which promised political freedom. However, this had little impact on their lives.

Throughout the 1920s, new employment opportunities for women opened up in factories, offices and department stores alongside the more traditional roles found in nursing and teaching. The introduction of the brought about many new opportunities for women in factories as it reduced the physical demands of many jobs. More than 2 million women joined the workforce in the 1920s.

Despite this, educational opportunities were increasing. By 1930, there were around 50,000 women with college degrees, which was three times more than the number of women with college degrees in 1920.

However, in the 1920s, fashion trends changed. Some women wore shorter skirts and more make-up, and many cut their hair into a shorter 'bobbed' style. The flapperflapper The term used to describe a liberated, young, fashionable woman in 1920s America whose behaviour would have been considered unconventional. was a familiar sight in towns. Women also freely smoked and drank outside the home for the first time - for example, in speakeasies.speakeasy A bar that sold alcoholic beverages illegally during Prohibition in the 1920s. This had been frowned upon for women before the war, although not for men. There was a greater acceptance of dating and slightly more sexual freedom, with film actresses such as Clara Bow becoming icons for the rejection of pre-war values.

Despite these changes, old values continued to exist in rural areas and in the older generation of women, who disapproved of the lifestyle that flappers represented.

For many women who continued to look after the home, a bigger social change came with the invention of devices such as vacuum cleaners, refrigerators and other electric devices. These reduced the time needed to complete in the home. The growth of department stores meant that clothes could be bought instead of made. The 1920s also saw growth in leisure time.

However, these opportunities were mostly enjoyed by the middle and upper classes. Working-class, immigrant and African American people were unable to afford many of these devices and luxuries.

However, these reforms did not continue throughout the 1920s. In terms of political representation, the 1920s saw few women get involved in running for political office. By 1928 there were only 145 women in state and only a few women had served in the

One reason for this was the fact that once the vote had been obtained, the movement for women's suffrage broke down into many smaller groups with different priorities. These groups campaigned on many different issues, including and gender discrimination. One particular area of achievement was in the campaign for where the was successful in pushing the cause of

More guides on this topic

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Women in the 1920s - US society in the 1920s - OCR A - GCSE History Revision - OCR A - BBC Bitesize

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Learn about and revise how US society developed during the 1920s and whether the good times were felt by all with BBC Bitesize GCSE History - OCR A.