The 1920s are often referred to as the Roaring ‘20s. Discuss this nickname and what it offers regarding the American Dream and national identity. Then consider the moral decay of the changing society in America during the 1920s. Is the American Dream corrupted by the desire for wealth? Moreover, is pursuing the American dream necessarily a good thing? Be sure to use specific details from the decade to defend your response. by Crystal Bozigian

The 1920s are often referred to as the Roaring ‘20s. Discuss this nickname and what it offers regarding the American Dream and national identity. Then consider the moral decay of the changing society in America during the 1920s. Is the American Dream corrupted by the desire for wealth? Moreover, is pursuing the American dream necessarily a good thing? Be sure to use specific details from the decade to defend your response. by Crystal Bozigian https://padlet.com/crystal_bozigian/9j6ep32atbhj Roaring '20s en-us 2018-01-08 18:23:28 UTC 2018-01-12 03:42:39 UTC hello@padlet.com Karina Carmona https://padlet.com/crystal_bozigian/9j6ep32atbhj/wish/219484863 2018-01-08 18:27:01 UTC https://padlet.com/crystal_bozigian/9j6ep32atbhj/wish/219484863 Sarah Taylor https://padlet.com/crystal_bozigian/9j6ep32atbhj/wish/219486199 The Roaring 20s is a fitting name for the time period because the generation was getting out into the world. Young people were going out and partying more. What would have been taboo before was becoming normal. The world was taking more risks and becoming more risky. Morals started to decal in they eyes of the older generation, but were only changing in the eyes of the youth. The thrill of breaking the rules was searched for, especially during Prohibition. Gangs fulled their motives with money. The American dream]]> 2018-01-08 18:29:36 UTC https://padlet.com/crystal_bozigian/9j6ep32atbhj/wish/219486199 Kayla Bey https://padlet.com/crystal_bozigian/9j6ep32atbhj/wish/219486312 The nickname Roaring '20s makes sense to the era that it was named. With the Harlem Renaissance occurring and females gaining the right to vote, the 1920s was the start of a new wave. Women wore short hairstyles and became flappers and sometimes smoked. Music from the Harlem Renaissance became popular such as Jazz and the Blues, where African Americans presented their culture through tunes. African Americans also migrated north to find better jobs with contributes to the American Dream. However with the American Dream, peoples desire for wealth has been corrupted through the implementation of credit. Within credit, people would not repay their dues and be stuck in limbo where they are in the risk of harm due to not paying back the money they owe to somebody. On the other hand, the American dream being pursued is a good thing. Without being able to pursue the American Dream, technology innovations such as the radio, electric radio, etc. would not have been invented.]]> 2018-01-08 18:29:53 UTC https://padlet.com/crystal_bozigian/9j6ep32atbhj/wish/219486312 Gillian Hodge https://padlet.com/crystal_bozigian/9j6ep32atbhj/wish/219489986 The 1920s were an era of life, invention, and a time where minority groups like immigrants, women, and African Americans continued to speak up for themselves socially and politically. The 'roaring' description coined in honor of those who spoke out above the noise of unfairness in favor of equality is a fitting description of the decade.
The American Dream being corrupted by wealth seems like a conundrum to me, as the American Dream is to achieve wealth and a stable/happy life. Striving for the American Dream, a chance to make their lives and the lives of their children better, is never a lost cause. Even if perfection is not achievable in totality, there is never fault in trying. Just like African Americans in the Harlem Renaissance wrote of freedom and the "New Negro", they were unsuccessful within the decade. Despite not reaching their dream, their words and laments were echoed in the successful Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 60s. Making a mark in the beginning can the key for someone else to succeed in the future. Even small steps progress towards an eventual goal.]]> 2018-01-08 18:38:07 UTC https://padlet.com/crystal_bozigian/9j6ep32atbhj/wish/219489986 Abigail Medeiros https://padlet.com/crystal_bozigian/9j6ep32atbhj/wish/219567014 The 1920's served as a period of economic prosperity and distinctive cultural edge, rightfully claiming the title of "the roaring twenties." This decade in history brought freedom and independence to millions of Americans. For example, both women, laborers, and African Americans began to use their voice to speak out against discrimination and wrongdoings. New ideas became normal such as women dressing like flappers and gaining the right to vote.
The morals of Americans seemed to decrease as distractions increased. In some ways, the American Dream may be corrupted by the desire for wealth, even though the goal is to maintain a happy life. The nation now had money for items other than food such as materialistic items. A vicious cycle of buying "wants" rather than "needs" became the new normal. Pursuing the American Dream can sometimes be considered a good thing. As long as you do not replace money with happiness and continue to work hard for your successes, the American Dream should be followed to lead a healthy and happy life. For instance, technology has advanced greatly during this era. Without the American Dream, technology advances may have been put on hold. The lifestyle of the 1920's ultimately shaped the nation we view today. ]]> 2018-01-08 21:57:58 UTC https://padlet.com/crystal_bozigian/9j6ep32atbhj/wish/219567014 Brandan Gunarathne https://padlet.com/crystal_bozigian/9j6ep32atbhj/wish/219571584 The 1920s in the United States brought a prosperous attitude to Americans with riches all around. People around during this time were living like the "Great Gatsby" lifestyle with parties and wealth. With all of this wealth and grandeur, it made the American Dream have a different outlook where others may believe that the streets were paved with gold. The nickname, "The Roaring '20s" came from the fact that daily life had been booming and it was like America was at an all-time high, that was until the Great Depression hit. Examples that exemplify the idea of the "Roaring" 1920s may include the grand, elegant parties with flappers, champagne, lights, gold, and sophisticated music. This Roaring era gives America a national identity of wealth and prosperity compared to other countries. The moral decay of others came when Americans became very wealthy as morals began to go out the window and money came as a priority. During this time, I believe that the American Dream became corrupted by the desire for wealth because this was the main idea that this country had been known for: $$$. Pursuing the American Dream can become a 2-way street in the sense that coming here to get a better life can involve gaining money but others may only come here for money and take advantage of the "system". This era of riches to rags has shaped our present-day society for historical lessons. This era was the best of times yet it was the worst of times.]]> 2018-01-08 22:21:26 UTC https://padlet.com/crystal_bozigian/9j6ep32atbhj/wish/219571584 Tina Chen https://padlet.com/crystal_bozigian/9j6ep32atbhj/wish/219578421 During the 1920s, it truly was a roaring time because everything and everyone was lively and upbeat. It was a time of celebration, partying, and rise of new ideas, beliefs, and identities. Prosperity was spreading which in turn aided the American Dream. America has long been known to be the place of new beginnings and a better life. Therefore in such a sense, the '20s offered just that: a time of fun and a chance for a better living. However, moral decay such as the increase in gang activity and illegal actions against Prohibition during the time period could be thought of to have corrupted the American Dream. Everyone wanted to be wealthy, but it is how one goes about the rise to wealth that determines corruption. The American Dream has always represented people who work hard and passionately for a better living but if people begin to gain that wealth through, say, violence, well then that is certainly a form of corruption. The American Dream should never be lost because it acts as a motivation for a new and better life, but at the same time, Al Capone was filthy rich and yet his wealth was by no means earned morally. ]]> 2018-01-08 23:18:46 UTC https://padlet.com/crystal_bozigian/9j6ep32atbhj/wish/219578421 Mariam Sanusi https://padlet.com/crystal_bozigian/9j6ep32atbhj/wish/219579185 The Roaring '20s had truly lived up to its name. The 1920s was a prosperous time for America's economy. Americans were happier and wealthier. With their wealth and new found happiness, Americans celebrated. This was a time where people did not have to worry about their needs, but cared about their wants. This era was characterized by technological advances with new labor-saving inventions that led to the large scale use of new "necessities" such as automobiles, telephones, the radio, and electricity. People challenged traditional ideas which glorified personal freedom. A new and young generation was personified by the fashions and lifestyles of the flappers who danced the to the new music of the Jazz Age in the cities' speakeasies. The wealth many people were experiencing was just not enough for some Americans. Gangsters who profited and gained most of their wealth through Prohibition began a path of moral decay in American society. People became increasingly greedy and lost the true values of the American Dream: work hard so that you can make a better life for yourself. Gangsters simply took their better lifestyles rather than earning it.]]> 2018-01-08 23:30:20 UTC https://padlet.com/crystal_bozigian/9j6ep32atbhj/wish/219579185 Karina Carmona https://padlet.com/crystal_bozigian/9j6ep32atbhj/wish/219580779 The 1920s being dubbed the "Roaring 20s" suggests that the United States at the time was very proud of themselves after having won World War I. Americans felt as though they owned the war and since the United States had been previously victorious we couldn't they have been as well. With the growth of immigrants, and rights for blacks and women the United States seemed like the place where anything could be obtained if effort was put in. The American Dream was in full fruition and with new media and innovation showing people a new standard of life patriotism was strong. The search for wealth seemed to be every American pursuit. This desire and how it can negatively affect people is highlighted in The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. The story illustrates the negative that wealth can have on a person and serves as a note that the affluent do not truly have it all. Another example on how pursuing the American Dream can be corrupted by wealth is the rise of gangsters in the 1920s. The gangsters while being able to create prosperity for themselves and a few others, there also came the death and destruction of others by the violence the mobs created. In all the American Dream while it seemed able to achieve and only good seemed to be able to come from the pursuit of wealth only served to break down the United States. ]]> 2018-01-08 23:50:56 UTC https://padlet.com/crystal_bozigian/9j6ep32atbhj/wish/219580779 Katarina Gorder https://padlet.com/crystal_bozigian/9j6ep32atbhj/wish/219587250 The "roaring 20s" was a fitting name for this time in America. During the 1920's people's morals have changed and they actually started to live. The war acted as their wake up call and made the people of the United States to make the most of their lives and enjoy their time. People began to have a good time without anything holding them back. The American Dream still stood people became more happy with these new materialized items and the want for success and a good time such as the flappers and the gangsters of the era. Money and wealth is the main basis for everything these people stood for, money was needed in order to be successful. Pursuing the American Dream would be a good thing because it allows for the country to evolve and always leave something to strive for. These people lived such happy go lucky lives and expressed themselves through music and poetry written during the time.]]> 2018-01-09 01:06:11 UTC https://padlet.com/crystal_bozigian/9j6ep32atbhj/wish/219587250 Alexia Vincent https://padlet.com/crystal_bozigian/9j6ep32atbhj/wish/219593203 The Roaring '20s is a perfect way to describe this time period. During the 1920's, a time when war just ended, people began to change their morals and lifestyles, specifically African Americans. Not only did Southern African Americans begin to travel North as a result of the Harlem Renaissance in order to pursue new job and artistic opportunities, but women began to partake in new lifestyles, as well. Flappers evolved, allowing women to be expressive through dancing, clothing, etc. The way the average women were viewed began to change drastically in this period, and by the end of the 20's, majority of women were flappers. However, while morals were changed in this time, sometimes it wasn't for the best. Gangsters also began to emerge as a result of prohibition, or the banning of alcohol. Crime rates rose immensely. Apart from the way certain people lived, money began to become the basis of society, therefore blinding the American dream with a longing for wealth. The American dream can be looked at in different ways, so, essentially, one cannot necessarily say that pursuing said dream would be a bad thing. However, instances in which case it was a bad thing were absolutely common. ]]> 2018-01-09 02:10:46 UTC https://padlet.com/crystal_bozigian/9j6ep32atbhj/wish/219593203 George Saban Jr. https://padlet.com/crystal_bozigian/9j6ep32atbhj/wish/219614958 The Roaring ‘20s was an era of American renaissance where there was a potpourri of growth in many disciplines including literary prowess, arts, music, science, and technology. With this explosive growth also came a radical shift in the cultural norm exploring different styles in dancing, dressing, and rejection of many traditional moral standards. Blacks also contributed to these advancements and excelled in jazz, blues, literature, arts, and in sciences. With this surge of creative expression also came decadence in society as Americans became increasingly materialistic, and pursued personal happiness through many forms cloaked in the pursuit of the American dream. The quest for a better life is acceptable for as long as you do not sacrifice everything else, including your character, to pay for that goal. The deterioration of morality is evident in their search for freedom of expression through alcohol, partying, and the rise of gangsters. With this decline in morality came a profusion of technological innovations such as the invention of cars, the washing machine, the radio, and many more. For example, Albert Einstein discovered the theory of special and general relativity, which later became law during this period. Unfortunately, these technological advancements also meant that humans created weapons of mass destructions such as chemical weapons and tanks. The 1920s generation claims that they are smarter, more enlightened, and vastly advanced than their parents. There is nothing new under the sun--for what was observed in the 1920s are the same pattern that is characteristic of the current generation.]]> 2018-01-09 06:21:10 UTC https://padlet.com/crystal_bozigian/9j6ep32atbhj/wish/219614958 Kaysha Sanon https://padlet.com/crystal_bozigian/9j6ep32atbhj/wish/219616191 RThe Roaring 20s was a time of celebration, with the war recently over, the mindset of the nation was on celebrating such great victory and relieving themselves from this time of war. But, that wasn't the only reason of why that time era got its name. No, it was social, technological, and economic change. Now with social, morals and lifestyles began to change. Women gain the right to vote, not only that there were now 3 women representatives in the House of representatives. Ladies now were wearing more makeup, showing more skin, and going out to parties. Even though the Prohibition they participated in actives a Speackies. Even though the Prohibition many people were soliciting alcohol, but in a strange way, it brought people together, except gangsters as they tended to dispute over liquor territory. Finally, blacks were being brought up in a positive manner due to the Harlem Renaissance. This brought exposure and a flux of black art, music, poetry, literature, and philosophy. Now with technological change came the social ideas of religion. As many did like the advancement in technology like the car and radio, they also wanted to keep their roots of religion. They wanted the best of both world with having advancement to better their lives, but to retain the roots of old religious ways. Economic changes that took place was the new form of paying the debt, credit, yes it allowed people to buy luxuries, however without these things paid on one's tab which caused debt to rise. Which they seemed to be deluded by the American dream of wealth. Believing that with this new form of paying they can gain these materialistic things they though themselves that it would make them happy. Is perceiving the American dream bad, yes it is. It deludes the dreamer that no matter what gaining money will improve your life. It didn't matter what you did for it like involving yourself in the gangster lifestyle, as long as your gaining money that will make you happy. ]]> 2018-01-09 06:34:09 UTC https://padlet.com/crystal_bozigian/9j6ep32atbhj/wish/219616191 Nicholas Petracca nicholas_petracca https://padlet.com/crystal_bozigian/9j6ep32atbhj/wish/219711660 The roaring 20's name fits the time very well. Many new business ventures were taking place as well as certain individuals who were making strides in the financial industry. The American dream is what drives them. All of these men and women who have made it to where the are now due to the dream that they once had. All of these people who came from different places have a dream, but we often ignore the dream of the men and women that are from the United States. We often overlook that they have dreams fueled by the area that they live, provided that they have many opportunities surrounding them. ]]> 2018-01-09 13:34:20 UTC https://padlet.com/crystal_bozigian/9j6ep32atbhj/wish/219711660 Kayla Vukas https://padlet.com/crystal_bozigian/9j6ep32atbhj/wish/219852825 The roaring 20s name fits the time period until the Great Depression. The hustle and bustle, the social and national change. The life style of the flappers and gangsters, party life. Prohibition was also a situation the nation was faced with where people saw alcohol as an evil and some were so sad to see it gone they snuck away to get their own taste. Gangsters brought liquor over from Canada. Women got the right to vote. This was important for equal rights in the land of the free and the home of the brave. ]]> 2018-01-09 17:15:33 UTC https://padlet.com/crystal_bozigian/9j6ep32atbhj/wish/219852825 Bailey Campbell https://padlet.com/crystal_bozigian/9j6ep32atbhj/wish/219856157 The twenties received their nickname because of the social change and national party that took place. ]]> 2018-01-09 17:20:57 UTC https://padlet.com/crystal_bozigian/9j6ep32atbhj/wish/219856157 Meghan Healy https://padlet.com/crystal_bozigian/9j6ep32atbhj/wish/219857225 The 1920s are referred to as the Roaring '20s. The nickname describes the era as a time of change, innovation, and fun. The morals did decay during the era, as women began to dress in the way that they pleased, instead of the way that society expected them to. In urban areas some men were gangsters, some women were flappers who danced. Many people visited speakeasies during prohibition, where they would break the law by drinking and buying alcohol. The American Dream is more or less the desire for wealth. When people come to America they hope for a better life and to pursue their dreams of owning a home. And eventually working towards wealth for their prosperity. Pursuing the American Dream can be a good or bad thing, depending on the person and the era in which they live. For example, during the roaring '20s when the economy was booming would be a great time to pursue wealth and to buy land, whereas in the '30s and the time of the depression it would not be a good time to make such harsh financial decisions. ]]> 2018-01-09 17:22:54 UTC https://padlet.com/crystal_bozigian/9j6ep32atbhj/wish/219857225 Olivia Kooloian https://padlet.com/crystal_bozigian/9j6ep32atbhj/wish/219858037 The nickname the "Roaring 20s" perfectly captures the essence of this time period. New inventions were constantly coming out and it seemed that nothing was out of reach. The world was everyone's oyster and the world was in the palm of their hands. To quote The Great Gatsby "the parties were bigger, the pace was faster, the shows were broader, and buildings were higher, the morals were looser, and the liquor was cheaper." People partied all the time and just enjoyed all that life had to offer. It made for an upbeat vibe and tempo. These years were basically a big celebration of being relieved of war and all the possibilities that the future held. ]]> 2018-01-09 17:24:10 UTC https://padlet.com/crystal_bozigian/9j6ep32atbhj/wish/219858037 Paul Diogenes https://padlet.com/crystal_bozigian/9j6ep32atbhj/wish/219867110 The "Roaring 20's" nickname provides a perfect reflection of how revolutionary the inventions made, the social changes, and economic prosperity was. However, the morals of society worsened as Americans were more money hungry and materialistic than before. Such as the want for new unnecessary inventions rather than needs. The American dream is a hard one to follow and should only be sought after by those who are willing to risk it all. ]]> 2018-01-09 17:38:47 UTC https://padlet.com/crystal_bozigian/9j6ep32atbhj/wish/219867110 Andres Perez https://padlet.com/crystal_bozigian/9j6ep32atbhj/wish/219867260 The nickname "Roaring '20s" reflects on the era of prosperity and success. The passing of the 18th amendment eventually led to more corruption and greed. The desire for wealth tainted the American Dream.]]> 2018-01-09 17:39:02 UTC https://padlet.com/crystal_bozigian/9j6ep32atbhj/wish/219867260 Alex DaSilva https://padlet.com/crystal_bozigian/9j6ep32atbhj/wish/219869400 The 1920's, also known as the "Roaring '20s" was a time of happiness and success for the American people. Many people enjoyed the new technology taking over. Cultural, social, and artistic changes were being made, and inspired many Americans to live happily and care-free. Many people loved to party and enjoyed the vibes of being happy and care-free. The society seemed to be changing and prospering, however, there were still downfalls and problems Many Americans adapted to this and even still did what made them happy, even after Prohibition was set with the 18th Amendment, people still drank in speakeasies. I believe that any American can live the American Dream, if they would truly like to "risk it for the biscuit". It can be considered a good or bad thing depending on how you look at it. Good if you're successful and you're happy, and bad if you aren't so successful and things turn for the worst.]]> 2018-01-09 17:42:27 UTC https://padlet.com/crystal_bozigian/9j6ep32atbhj/wish/219869400 Sean Burt https://padlet.com/crystal_bozigian/9j6ep32atbhj/wish/219872341 The Roaring '20s was filled with partying, happiness, and new social ideas. It offers an idea that the America is the land to be for a good time. But all good things have a bad side. The moral decay in the nation is one example, with the second rise of the KKK, as well as the quest for wealth through illegal acts (Gangsters/mobsters). Pursuing the American Dream in this time was not necessarily good, specifically if you were to go to the dark side and side with the mob.]]> 2018-01-09 17:47:13 UTC https://padlet.com/crystal_bozigian/9j6ep32atbhj/wish/219872341 Victoria Carbone https://padlet.com/crystal_bozigian/9j6ep32atbhj/wish/219873894

The 1920’s, right after the war, was a time of happiness and prospering, and the decade portrayed that perfectly. The who nation was in a celebration for years upon years and finally the people of America were coming closer and finally accepting one another more. African Americans had the harlem renaissance where they received opportunities that passed by them in previous years. Women were breaking out of the ‘norm’ for women and coming out of their shell. Flappers were out everywhere and could not be stopped! Almost everyone participated in this grand lifestyle of going out to parties all the time, smoking wherever and whenever, and drinking whenever they could (despite prohibition, that did not stop many people.) America during this time is corrupted by wealth, they did not realise how this high they were experiencing was at some point going to drop. Pursuing this idea of the ‘American Dream’ was a good idea, but actually doing it was more difficult than it sounds, but no the American Dream was not corrupted by wealth because the american dream of most was to become wealthy. The new technological advances were helping others achieve their dream of becoming wealthy and the rest of the people recieved the joy of experiencing these new advances, such as the radio, the hair dryer, the washer, etc. Their lifes were flipped upside down but in a positive way. The nickname ‘The Roaring 20’s’ offers an idea of prosperity for the american dream in this time period, and to most , their american dream was accomplished in the roaring 20’s.

]]> 2018-01-09 17:50:03 UTC https://padlet.com/crystal_bozigian/9j6ep32atbhj/wish/219873894 James Quintin james_quintin https://padlet.com/crystal_bozigian/9j6ep32atbhj/wish/219874487 The 1920's are often referred as the Roaring 20's due to the boom in social standards, morels, inventions, art, literature, etc. This nickname refers to the drastic changes America that took place after World War 1, primarily the changes in standards in morels. Flappers changed the way women were looked at as well as America as a whole which urbanized and left its' agricultural ways. Relating to the Great Depression, thought this age was great and splendid, I also believe Americans became too greedy leading to the depression. I also believe that pursuing the American dream could lead to a a more dystopian like society.]]> 2018-01-09 17:51:09 UTC https://padlet.com/crystal_bozigian/9j6ep32atbhj/wish/219874487 https://padlet.com/crystal_bozigian/9j6ep32atbhj/wish/219874586 2018-01-09 17:51:19 UTC https://padlet.com/crystal_bozigian/9j6ep32atbhj/wish/219874586 roaring https://padlet.com/crystal_bozigian/9j6ep32atbhj/wish/219876571 the 20's were a time of happiness parting and fun so everyone was going wild and roaring through the streets]]> 2018-01-09 17:54:33 UTC https://padlet.com/crystal_bozigian/9j6ep32atbhj/wish/219876571 Bailey Campbell https://padlet.com/crystal_bozigian/9j6ep32atbhj/wish/220022935 The 1920s gained its nickname of the “Roaring 20s” by the party that was being celebrated across the nation. Social and cultural changes affected the way new generations thought and acted. Throughout this post war era prohibition was passed, but only caused people to drink and party more. Speakeasies, gangsters and flappers were all members of the new generation that changed the way cities operated. Flappers especially created a new normal for young women by becoming more outgoing and fighting for woman’s rights and equality, which ended up earning the the right to vote. The morals dismissed with the new generation coming because young people did not take things as seriously, parties, sexuality, money and alcohol was what was considered the necessities. The American Dream causes people to take the simple things for granted and only look towards the rich and extravagant lifestyle. This causes consequences in our country’s future though...]]> 2018-01-10 02:18:03 UTC https://padlet.com/crystal_bozigian/9j6ep32atbhj/wish/220022935 Colby colby_centracchio https://padlet.com/crystal_bozigian/9j6ep32atbhj/wish/220825936 The nickname "Roaring 20s" Came along because of what was happening around the time. Women changing there roles, like instead of being stay at home moms they would go out and drink, smoke and have fun. Plus some moms would go find jobs which wasn't heard about back then. Those women were called flappers. They affected the American dream because they weren't just doing what every other women was doing, they were changing the way people thought about women. Many people care about wealth, but i wouldn't say it corrupted because people care about more things then just wealth. Like health, Family, Friends. Pursuing the american dream is kind of a bad thing now a days, because moms need to work especially if they are single moms. Plus they need to make money to talk care of bills and financial things.]]> 2018-01-12 00:12:42 UTC https://padlet.com/crystal_bozigian/9j6ep32atbhj/wish/220825936 Ralph- The "Roaring 20s" was a time of success, happiness and development in America. Women earned the right to vote and the blacks were becoming a part of the culture. It was also a time of over-consumption which would lead to the crash of the economy. ralph_jean https://padlet.com/crystal_bozigian/9j6ep32atbhj/wish/220848935 2018-01-12 03:35:54 UTC https://padlet.com/crystal_bozigian/9j6ep32atbhj/wish/220848935