The Roaring 20's - A Wider Perspective. When people talk about the 1920's, the usual topics would be centered on the fashion revolution that pervaded not only the US but also Canada, the United Kingdom and other parts of Europe. At this time, everything was geared towards freedom as a result of the economic boom since the close of World War 1.
People were generally more carefree in attitude and this included drastic changes in the way they dressed, especially the women. In contrast to the traditional body-hugging, waist-emphasizing dresses, this decade gave rise to loose blouses and skirts that weren't flattering to the female figure but showed a lot more skin. Hairstyles also became shorter and more adventurous and society started to be more permissive towards women who smoked, drove cars and cast their votes during electoral processes.
In short, this was an era of release. However, there was more to this decade than most people today would know. Aside from the fashion revolution, the movie industry was also rapidly developing. It was during this time that films were actually shown with sound and color, giving rise to an increasing number of move theaters.
It was also at during this decade that the US' first commercial radio, CBS-owned KDKA 1020 AM, was born and went on air in Pittsburgh with a news/talk radio format that easily became a popular entertainment medium. Of course, this came along with jazz being the most popular music trend of the decade, with such jazz pioneers as Duke Elington and Al Jolson, and the rise of the surrealist and Art Deco movements.
In terms of technology, the 1920's was also a golden era when various firsts came about. This was the time when the first color television was developed in Scotland by John Logie Baird, the first hair dryer in Germany, the first antibiotics in England by Alexander Fleming and the first videophone in 1927 and the first liquid fuel rocket by Robert Goddard in the US in 1926.
The decade sure paved the way for many successes of the present day. However, at this time, there were also a few firsts that many people would not consider mentioning but which, however, remain in history regardless of how people take it to be. One of these is the birth of the Klu Klux Klan and other vigilante groups that meted their own brand of justice to criminal offenders, especially blacks. Towards the end of the decade, the stock market also crashed and led the world into the Great Depression.
US $14.99
