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Mamie Smith Releases "Crazy Blues"
The blues also came into the mainstream in 1920 when Mamie Smith released a recording called "Crazy Blues." The success of this album represented change in America for similar reasons as the popularity if Jazz: African-American culture was truly recognized and celebrated for the first time. This said, things were by no means equal or fair -
Women's Suffrage
Women were given the right to vote in 1920 after the 19th amendment. This represented change in America as feminists were gaining traction in the long fight for equality in America. -
Charleston Dance Becomes Popular
The Charleston is known as the most popular dance of the 1920s. With the rise of a culture that valued "partying" and a lavish lifestyle, dancing and speakeasies (illegal underground places where alcohol was served) became popular. Danced by both young women (commonly, Flappers) and young men, the Charleston involves a light-hearted, silly swinging of the legs and big arm movements. -
Election of Calvin Coolidge
The 30th president of the United States from 1923-1929 was Calvin Coolidge. He was elected after the scandalous presidency of Warren G Harding, who appointed friends and acquaintances to federal positions and then died unexpectedly in 1923. -
The First Winter Olympic Games
The first Winter Olympic Games were held in Chamonix, France. Just 16 countries participated, including the United States. The Americans won four medals, but it was Norway, with eighteen medals total, that championed those games. This is indicative of change in America and the world, as the Winter Olympic Games have been held every year since, with the exception of during World War II. -
Rise of the Radio
The introduction of a new appliance, the radio, made music more accessible than it had ever been before. This represented change in American as people became more connected than ever before, and popular music could reach anyone with access to a radio. -
Rise of Professional Sports
Sports took a turning point in the 1920s. Ever since, professional sports have been at the foundation of American culture. The rise of the radio and media meant that sports could be broadcasted, and ensured the success of promoters who took the opportunity to support the professional football league, golf tours, and tennis circuit, which were all formed in the 1920s. This allowed for huge crowds and mass stadiums to be built. -
Spirit of Saint Louis
Charles Lindbergh piloted the very first transatlantic flight from New York to Paris. Not only did this propel Lindbergh into American legend, but it also changed the nature of air travel forever. His flight proved that transatlantic travel was possible by plane and, ultimately, shifted the world entirely from sea to flight. -
Babe Ruth Sets Season Home Run Record
Arguably, the biggest sports star of the 1920s was Gearge Herman “Babe” Ruth. He was an American baseball player whose career lasted 22 seasons. He is still recognized as one of the greatest, most influential athletes of all time. -
Stock Exchange Fails
Throughout the financial success of the 20s, many became over confident. People put their savings into the stock market to try to earn money. When began to fall, the panic sets in, and everyone tries to recover their money. this means that the US market loses millions of shares. Many people lost everything they had.
