1920s Popular Culture

Societal Barriers are Diminished

At the Movies

» During the 1920s people went to the movies about once a week

» Movie theaters served as a social class equalizer All tickets cost the same All attendees were treated equal People in Manhattan, NY saw the same

movies as people in Manhattan, KS

» During the 1920s people went to the movies about once a week

» Movie theaters served as a social class equalizer All tickets cost the same All attendees were treated equal People in Manhattan, NY saw the same

movies as people in Manhattan, KS

Movies & Pop Culture

» Gossip columnists wrote about movie stars’ loves, marriages, divorces, etc. People were able to “know” the stars

& feel a connection to them» Movies transformed people’s

tastes & behaviors Began to wear the same hairstyles &

fashions as the stars

» Gossip columnists wrote about movie stars’ loves, marriages, divorces, etc. People were able to “know” the stars

& feel a connection to them» Movies transformed people’s

tastes & behaviors Began to wear the same hairstyles &

fashions as the stars

Then & Nowa Comparison

» Movies became a part of 1920s pop culture & influenced the everyday lives of Americans. How does this compare to today’s popular culture?

» Movies became a part of 1920s pop culture & influenced the everyday lives of Americans. How does this compare to today’s popular culture?

Sports in 1920s Pop Culture

» Prior to the 1920s, tennis and golf were wealthy people’s sports. Tennis & golf clubs were private & open only

to those able to purchase a membership

» By the late 1920s, municipal tennis courts & golf courses were opened for anyone who wished to play these sports.

» How did this equalize society?

» Prior to the 1920s, tennis and golf were wealthy people’s sports. Tennis & golf clubs were private & open only

to those able to purchase a membership

» By the late 1920s, municipal tennis courts & golf courses were opened for anyone who wished to play these sports.

» How did this equalize society?

Sporting Events

» During the 1920s, people began to regularly attend sporting events. It was an escape from everyday life A place to gather with family & friends

» Not only attended professional sporting events, but college sporting events became popular as well.

» What are some similarities in today’s pop culture?

» During the 1920s, people began to regularly attend sporting events. It was an escape from everyday life A place to gather with family & friends

» Not only attended professional sporting events, but college sporting events became popular as well.

» What are some similarities in today’s pop culture?

Professional Sports Heroes

» Boxing: Jack Dempsey was the heavyweight champion. There were no other weight classes.

» Swimming: Gertrude Ederle, 19 years old, swam the English Channel & beat the fastest man’s time. The University of Arizona has produced

some female Olympic swimming stars, can you name any?

» Boxing: Jack Dempsey was the heavyweight champion. There were no other weight classes.

» Swimming: Gertrude Ederle, 19 years old, swam the English Channel & beat the fastest man’s time. The University of Arizona has produced

some female Olympic swimming stars, can you name any?

Baseball & Segregation

» Major League Baseball flourished in the 1920s.

» The major league did NOT allow African Americans to play.

» A separate Negro League answered this problem.

» Major League Baseball would not be desegregated until 1948.

» Baseball fans, who was the first African American to play in the MLB?

» Major League Baseball flourished in the 1920s.

» The major league did NOT allow African Americans to play.

» A separate Negro League answered this problem.

» Major League Baseball would not be desegregated until 1948.

» Baseball fans, who was the first African American to play in the MLB?

Baseball Stars

» Babe Ruth: played for the Boston Red Sox & was traded to the New York Yankees. Nickname: Sultan of Swat.

» Oscar Charleston: career batting average of .348, regularly led the Negro League in home runs & stolen bases. Played for: Chicago American Giants, St. Louis Giants, Harrisburg Giants, Lincoln Stars, Philadelphia Hilldales, Homestead Grays, & Pittsburgh Crawfords. Played from 1915-1945.

» Babe Ruth: played for the Boston Red Sox & was traded to the New York Yankees. Nickname: Sultan of Swat.

» Oscar Charleston: career batting average of .348, regularly led the Negro League in home runs & stolen bases. Played for: Chicago American Giants, St. Louis Giants, Harrisburg Giants, Lincoln Stars, Philadelphia Hilldales, Homestead Grays, & Pittsburgh Crawfords. Played from 1915-1945.

Radio

» First start in Detroit & Pittsburgh when the 1920 presidential election returns were broadcast.

» By mid-1920s, almost every home had a radio.

» Brought entertainment to peoples homes, radio shows consisted of dramas, comedies, music, & variety shows.

» Advertising helped influence mass marketing.

» First start in Detroit & Pittsburgh when the 1920 presidential election returns were broadcast.

» By mid-1920s, almost every home had a radio.

» Brought entertainment to peoples homes, radio shows consisted of dramas, comedies, music, & variety shows.

» Advertising helped influence mass marketing.

Then & Now

» Create a Venn Diagram comparing and contrasting 1920s “pop culture” to today’s “pop culture”.

» Create a Venn Diagram comparing and contrasting 1920s “pop culture” to today’s “pop culture”.