The golden age of the 19th century

The 1920's, also known as the roaring 20's, was known as the glamorous decade filled with fringe dresses, champagne, and female liberation but there was much more to it than what you've read in the Great Gatsby.

The fashion: 

Although the 1920's are known for their high hemlines not all dresses had them. Dresses

had more variety and designers catered to people who loved to show leg and those who didn't. Loose fabrics and straight silhouettes were also hugely popular as it allowed the wearer to move freely without any constrictions on the arms, legs, or torso. Dresses were commonly made of materials such as silk which was then decorated with sparkling patterns inspired by the art deco movement.

Although women were experiencing much Independence and freedom it was quite the opposite for men. Not much had changed for men other than the rise of a well-fitted suit. If a man's suit was too big, long, sort, or loose they would be looked down upon. As fast fashion had yet to become a thing men would almost always be wearing a tailor-made suit and, if they brought a shirt, would have everything they owned hemmed as to ensure the perfect fit.                                                        

Society

Society in the 1920's changed majorly as not only were women more involved in the workforce farms were becoming less common. Cities and apartment buildings become normal and living on a farm was starting to be seen as strange. Not only this but there was also recovery from war and the lead up to the great depression which lasted from 1929 - 1935. Technology was also becoming the norm as items such as radios and telephones were used more often and washing machines meant that a housewife could spend less time on cleaning. Societal roles hadn't changed much at all as women were still expected to eventually settle down and start a family, this role wouldn't change until the beginning of the 60's.


Dance and music
Dances such as the Charleston and the Lindy hop offered more freedom had over taken the dances of the 1910's. The dances of the 20's had a lot of movement with legs constantly moving all other the place. These dances were often accompanied by jazz, the new music craze. Jazz originated in the African-American communities of New Orleans. Jazz is a combination of  blues and ragtime music.  Although Jazz became extremely popular in the 20's it actually began in the 1910's and the jazz craze lasted until the 50's.

TV and radio

Although "TV" did exist in the 1920's they were more like prototypes, radio however was widely popular.  With the popularity of the radio came the radio dramas. If you're a fan of flight of the conchords or a hitchhiker's guide to the galaxy you may have heard of their radio counterparts. These versions of the two shows/movies are known as radio drama or radio theater. These types of radio were hugely popular during the 1920's and the radio craze lasted till the end of the 50's.

Movies
The rise of the moving picture began in the 1920's with it's black and white, silent films. The moving picture also brought about the modern day celebrity with people such as Charlie Chaplin and Clara Bow.  Some of the most popular films of the 20's involved The passion of Joan of arc, Metropolis (pictured above), The Phantom of the opera, the last laugh, Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, among other other films. The 20's is also the decade in which Disney studio began to form. Disney's first animation, Alice's Wonderland, was released and was soon followed by the release of Oswald, the first Disney original character. A year later Mickey Mouse debut in steamboat willy and the first silly symphony (video below) was released. Silly Symphonies were a collection of animations that were animated to the music with very little dialogue. You can find thousands of these on YouTube.