Premium Essay

Flappers In The 1920s

Submitted By
Words 726
Pages 3
Flappers were an iconic symbol of the roaring twenties. From their fashion style to their controversial nature, these girls were what made those years so memorable.

This lifestyle was born when WW1 took off, taking along our country's men and most of the working population. To fill in these roles, women flocked to take up work. They were given more power and independence, as they slowly climbed the social ladder. Throughout this time, especially when many Canadian men did not return, they developed a “live fast die young” mentality that caused them to chase after fuller lives. Other important events that lead up to this sudden cultural change was greatly due to their newfound ability to vote and the horrors of the Spanish epidemic. However, …show more content…
Their most defining feature was their fashion. Girls previous to the war followed the fashion of a “Gibson Girl” who had flowing hair pinning up in a pompadour, puffy long dresses and an attitude that seemed serene but reserved at the same time. Now, instead of lengthy locks, they shortened it to a slick bob. Dresses became skirts as hems were lifted higher and higher. Some bounded their chests to look more boyish, and high heels became in fashion. The cosmetic market flourished as a new wave of fashion swept the nation. Next, were their past times. By day, many attended college and held their previous jobs. They usually worked in factories or as operators, which were a popular option during the height of the telephone. Once night fell, these women shed off their work clothes and drove off to sneak a drink. Wearing their favourite revealing dress, they mingled and drank and smoked in these small confines. Live jazz would be played, and the dance floor would be littered with flappers who danced, in what was at the time, seductively. Lastly, flappers had the most distinct attitude. They were carefree and rebellious. Older generation showed clear dislike towards them, fearing they were creating a “new moral order”. They flirted openly and reversed many gender stereotypes, such as being the first to ask someone out, or making the first move. Flappers treated intimate relationship as causal ones rather than wait for marriage. It was made very clear that they disliked what was considered socially accepted

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

Flappers In The 1920's

...Flappers have changed most women’s lifestyle and behavior throughout the 1920’s in early American society. The year of 1920’s was a superlative year, innumerable events occurred during this period of time including the age of the Flapper; leaving an impact on the women in early America. People began to realize that the age of the Flappers belonged to the young generation of women in Early America. Young women who became Flappers began to change their lifestyle; exploiting the remaining time they had left of their period of youth by stepping over their boundaries, into a world of excitement and wonders. As Flappers began to grow in popularity, more young women joined in the dazzling life of the Flappers. Also, not only were lifestyles changed, the behaviour of young women drastically underwent a transformation. “Flappers” en.wikepedia.org Flappers have always been known to people in America, but only became really popular when the famous french fashionista who also happens to be a designer executed a considerable amount of time and effort into making the Flapper look popular. If there was one important factor to know about this particular superstar ,It...

Words: 913 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

1920s Flappers Research Paper

...Before the 1920s woman usually worked on farms with their parents, then came the 1920s and it brought many changes for young women in the United States, they stated to decide they want to be dancers and singers and some even get involved with mafia gangs. As in the play "Thoroughly Modern Millie", millions of young women left the safety and security of rural, small town life and went to live an independent life in the big city. The flapper culture is the best example of the type of life that many women in the 1920’s wanted to live. Flappers were young, independent, brash, and sometimes more than a little bit "naughty", at least compared to what their family back on the farm expected. Some of the most frequent things for flappers in the 1920’s...

Words: 651 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Flappers In The 1920's Essay

...generation; and while this era seems to portray partying and drinking, it was a critical decade for the advancement of civil rights for men and women. During the 1920’s, women took significant steps towards this equality they desired by enjoying all aspects of their lives, involving themselves both socially and politically, and inspiring young women to act upon their ambitions. Consequently, flappers have revolutionized the way women are viewed in today's society. Women of this generation formed a new type of feminism; they were scandalizing older generations by leaving...

Words: 1141 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

1920s Flappers Research Paper

...In the years of the 1920’s there were many amazing things going on. New things were coming in to play around this time that most people did not expect to see. Some of the more important things going on included; the introduction of flappers, prohibition, The Jazz Age, new children toys, car racing, horse racing, and the Ku Klux Klan. These were only a few of the important things going on, but I am going to go into detail about what a flapper is and how they changed the way society saw women in this era. The flappers in the 1920’s were like a new breed of women. These women drank, smoked, danced, wore their hair how they wanted, went to parties, and wore makeup. There were a few different definitions of a “flapper.” One was a young girl who was still in the awkward stage before womanhood, some people used this word to reference a prostitute, while others merely thought the word...

Words: 1301 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

The Role Of Flappers In The 1920's

...Flappers Flappers are closely related to today’s youth. Society is critical, and disrespectful, and the youth has always faced these problems. Things like, fashion music, and entertainment drive criticism. Fashion, music, and entertainment evolve through the youth, and provides change. Overtime the music, fashion, and entertainment become part of popular culture, and are accepted. Change is worrisome, and always brings criticism. Fashion changes over time. The fashion of the 1920s is different than the fashion of the 2000s. Fashion in the 1920s involved long dresses, suits, and formal clothing. Now, the fashion is jeans, and name brand apparel. Though fashion has changed, the reaction hasn’t. Parents will always criticize...

Words: 387 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

The 1920's: The Flapper Lifestyle

...The 1920’s is a very important time in American History. No decade saw as much change in regards to the role of women in society as the roaring twenties. Men and women each have a unique role in society, and likewise also share many roles equally. Up until this point in American History women were oppressed by a male dominated society and intern were not given the rights, respect, and freedom they deserved. The 1920’s marked the beginning of a great event in which women began stepping up and having a voice. It was a time of liberation for most women. One part of this liberation included the Flapper lifestyle. This lifestyle, not only helped change the role of women outside of the home, but also affected the female influence in politics. The Flapper Lifestyle was a trend that took America by...

Words: 946 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

The First American Flapper In The 1920's

...Today’s American society is accustomed to an abundance of freedom, resources and opportunities that are made available to the public. Most people take these things for granted because they have no recollection of being denied these things. Until the 1920s, American society was conservative with traditional values, this tradition began to change significantly. New forms of music like jazz was being played in dance halls, roadhouses and speakeasies all over the country. In addition, the United States saw a rise of spectator sports. There was also the arrival of the new woman, more accurately described as the flapper. “The flapper" was completely opposite to what women of the time were supposed to be. Zelda was named the First American Flapper...

Words: 476 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Flappers Consumerism

...World War One: It was not one single event that created the wild, society-challenging flappers, but many things in the beginning of the nineteenth century that all added up on one another. One of the biggest steps into creating flappers was World War One. Women began to get a taste of independence during World War One, when they had to make lifestyle changes to make up for the absence of men at home. They joined the workforce.Now women got a taste of what independence was like, since they didn’t have men around anymore to lean on or, in some cases, hold them back. This lead to women needing to make more changes to adapt; Women couldn’t have long hair and long skirts like they did for years before. Women then realized the convenience and practicality...

Words: 1363 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Traditionalism Vs. Modernism In The 1920's

...Traditional views vs. Modernism The 1920’s were a time of great change in the United States of America. There were many new idea on how things should work socially, politically and economically. Many of these ideas created conflicts between modern and traditional views. Traditional views included of having a strong faith, did not believe science over faith, in support of the prohibition, and found jazz music and the flapper culture distasteful. On the other side modern views included of favoring science over faith, disagreed with the prohibition, and was in favor of jazz music and the flapper culture. The 1920’s was an exciting time in America, however there was a immense clash between modern and traditional views. One of the most contradicting views that these two groups had was whether to believe religion over science or vice versa. Traditionalist favored religion while modernist favored science. In a Tennessee high school in the year of 1925, John Scopes; a substitute teacher, was accused of teaching evolution to a state funded school. This went against Tennessee’s Butler Act, which stated that it was unlawful to teach...

Words: 621 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Flappers Research Paper

...The roaring twenties are very well known as a time of drastic changes. These changes varied from the style of clothes people wore and the start of flappers. Flappers were known as rebellious women that went against the traditions of women's fashion and lifestyle. One major change the flappers had in the 1920’s era was the fashion change. They began dressing more scandalously for this time by bringing shorter dresses, bobbed hair cuts, comfortable clothing, and loose fitting clothing into style. Fashion drastically changed due to the flappers effect on the population. The reasoning for this change was to be able to move and dance freely through the night. Another impact the flappers had on society was breaking the stereotype that was put on...

Words: 329 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Women of the 1920’s: the True Beginning of Women’s Liberation

...Women of the 1920’s: The true beginning of women’s liberation Amy K. Breitkreitz HIS204: American History Since 1865 Instructor Cora Dunaway December 22, 2014 The 1920’s presented America with some very turbulent times and issues. The true beginning of women’s liberation began during these eras; from women entering the workplace, to being awarded the privilege to vote and stepping out into the social scene causing eyebrows to be raised by their actions. The women of these eras did not realize it then, but they were laying the foundation for American women in the future to become independent, as well as political and workforce pillars in American society. The brave women of the 1920’s suffered great injustices, but persevered to become some of the greatest women in American history in all aspects of life such as politics, marriage, jobs and self-expression. Women who were referred to as flappers started the change in self-expression. Some were considered rebellious by their peers, mostly the older generation, due to their newfound scantily clad bodies and what were considered actions that challenged the morals put in place by society; the flappers transformed what was considered the proper woman into her own person. The less clothing, the shorter the hair, the heavier the makeup the better (Bliven, 1925). In my opinion, it was as time of women breaking free from the molds of what society thought they should be; a time of finding who they were, or letting loose...

Words: 1744 - Pages: 7

Free Essay

The Social Climate During Margaret Mead Cross Cultural Study

...her life to studying the human behavior of various cultures during the 1920’s. Mead work shed a light on different cultural norms and the difficulties of being apart of that culture. One of Mead most notable works and best seller was Coming of Age in Samoa., she published in 1928 after staying in Samon from 1925-1926 to research sexual behavior. Mead, research brought a social consciousness to the world during a time when it was difficult. For instance, during the decade of Mead field work there were many events taking place: The manufacture of cars, Harlem Renaissance begins (jazz and ragtime music), fashions, flappers (a term used to describe young girls), movie stars, sex symbols in movies and novels, prohibition begins in the United States, women granted the right to vote in the United States fashion and music and Sigmund Freud work on sex series. 1920’s has often been referred to as the “Roaring Twenties” during this time the United States were discovering what it was like to be one of the world ‘s wealthiest country. The 1920’s had a new influences on peoples' lifestyles that change the culture of the 1920’s. According to an article by Jennifer Roseenberg (n.d.), a 20th century history expert states the following: In the 1920s, a new woman was born. She smoked, drank, danced, and voted. She cut her hair, wore make-up, and went to petting parties. She was giddy and took risks. She was a flapper. Nearly every article of clothing was trimmed down and lightened in order...

Words: 1033 - Pages: 5

Free Essay

The "New" Decade

...sound. This decade should be viewed exactly as it is. This decade was a time of great change for America in general. Before the “flapper” emerged, “the Gibson Girl was the rage”. The Gibson Girl was inspired by Charles Dana Gibson’s drawings. She was the total opposite of the “flapper” that was soon to come. She was able to participate in some sports including golf, roller skating, and bicycling. She had long hair, and her attire was a long, straight skirt with a shirt that had a high collar (Rosenberg). She was not a risk taker and did not date. After the “Gibson Girl” came the “flapper.” The term came from Great Britain. It described a young girl still in the middle of becoming a woman (Rosenberg). It literally was defined as “a fledgling, yet in the nest, and vainly attempting to fly while its wings have only pinfeathers” (G. Stanley). “She smoked, drank, danced, and voted. She cut her hair, [and] wore make-up…” (Rosenberg). The women in those days had a hard time accepting this new style. The “flapper” was a girl that loved to dance. She needed her clothes to allow her to move freely, so she changed her style to make her clothes lighter. The hem line of the flapper’s dress rose to just below her knees during 1925 to 1927. She also took off her corset and replaced pantaloons for “step-ins.” The Gibson Girl adored her long hair, but the flapper cut hers short. This new hairstyle was called a “bob.” The “bob” was soon replaced with a shorter haircut called the “shingle” or...

Words: 1018 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

The Roaring 20's

...The Roaring Twenties (1920s) was a decade of distinct, cultural change during a period of sustained economic prosperity around the world. Although the 1920s included the progressive, independent influence of the “Flappers”, the period certainly witnessed more intolerance and conservatism through its many social complications. Throughout the 1920s, conservatism was evident in the midst of prohibition, the courtroom, and nativism. Prohibition began on January 16, 1920, when the Eighteenth Amendment went into effect (Doc. C). The problem though was that Prohibition had only banned the manufacturing, sale, and transport of alcohol, but not the possession or consummation of it. Due to this failure to clarify the intended, alcoholic policy, beverages still remained widely available within illegal speakeasies and secret, underground drinking establishments (Doc. B). Prohibition, first intended to reduce crime among the immigrant community, was now well on its way to contributing to the emergence of numerous issues. For example, the issue of organized crime; gang lords such as Al Capone dominated the illegal industry of alcohol, distributing to even individuals who admitted to having held some sort of political significance. Throughout the decade, support for the repeal of such a limitation continued to rise as the government presented the incapability to enforce such a law upon such stubborn citizens. This complication presents just one of the many factors of why social advancement...

Words: 626 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Explain How the Role of Women in Us Society Changed in the 1920s

...Explain how the role of women in US society changed in the 1920s In the 1920s, the roles of US women changed in many different ways. At the start of the decade, women did not have the same rights as men and it was thought that their only jobs in life were to cook, clean and to please their husband. However, more and more women began to get jobs as the war had left the country’s men in a bad state and the women who had worked throughout the war didn’t want to go back to doing nothing. This meant that they began to earn their own money and for the first time women could become more independent from their husbands. Some women took brought the independency from men to a whole new level. Women called ‘Flappers’ did not marry at a young age (although generally did marry in later life) and supported themselves. They did many things which were looked down upon in that era such as: sex before marriage, smoked and drank in public places and wore short revealing clothes. Despite the fact that flappers helped to change western attitudes to women, there was some criticism surrounding them because there was still a strong conservative element in the American society. Therefore I think that ultimately without the flapper movement women would not have been thought of as being able to take care of themselves but through the flappers choices, 1920s society was proved to that women were just as capable to work for a living and be social just like the...

Words: 265 - Pages: 2