The "roaring" Twenties

The twenties were given the nickname the “Roaring Twenties” as well as the “Jazz Age,” no doubt because of the heavy influence the arts posed on the decade. This "movement" in which jazz music grew in popularity immensely in the U.S., also influenced other parts of the world. Also, the economy and the social status of the United States transformed outrageously with new inventions, new ideas, and new concepts and fads. Transportation was booming, people were dancing, women were exploding into the social scene and were becoming more comfortable with their sexuality, and people were inventing things left and right to improve the industry.

At the beginning of the 1920s, the United States was converting from a war-time economy to one more associated with the lines of peace. When weapons for World War I were no longer needed, there was a temporary stall in the economy. After several years, the country continued to prosper in its flourishes. America became the richest nation on Earth and a culture of consumerism was born. It was the time of the five dollar workday – good salary for the common worker in the twenties. People spent money on efficient roads, tourism, and holiday resorts. Real estate booms, most notably in Florida, sent land prices soaring. Inventions were soaring as well. Included in the list of notables were: The Model T Ford - a car that sold fifteen million by 1927 that was invented by Henry Ford, the radio boom – the first radio station was named KDKA in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the first movie, or picture, with sound was made – The Jazz Singer starring Al Johnson in 1922.

Science, medicine and health advanced remarkably during the same period. Albert Einstein was awarded the Nobel Prize in physics in 1921. Diphtheria, an upper respiratory tract illness characterized by sore throat, low fever, and an adherent membrane on the tonsils, pharynx, and/or nasal cavity, became better controlled in 1923 by newly introduced immunizations. An interest developed in nutrition, caloric consumption and physical vitality. American dieting habits changed as a whole with the new outlook on body image that the flappers influenced — less fat and meat, and more fruits and vegetables. The discovery of vitamins and their effects also occurred around the same time. Cigarette consumption rose to roughly 43 billion annually, and bootleg liquor became a $3.5 billion-a-year business during this time period.

Literature, as well as music, was becoming ever more popular during the twenties. Langston Hughes was the best-known