The Flapper Movement

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During the “Roaring Twenties,” we saw the rise of the Flappers and the Jazz age, as well as feminism and sexual liberation. Along with this, we also saw the rise of radio and cinema, which took the country by storm and enhanced transportation and production methods improving living situations for many Americans. Despite all of these amazing achievements of the age, it was the intense conservatism of the laissez-faire Republican Party which dominated the United States, tarnishing the country economically, politically, and socially. The hands-off, pro-business economic stance lead to an economic boom which primarily benefited those at the top and not only relied on a “trickle down” stance but also cut out and ignored financially struggling farmers. …show more content…
One example of this new found freedom was the existence of the Flapper women, who wore less clothing, smoked, held private relationships, freely spoke their mind, worked in positions previously considered “male only,” and rejected Victorian values, all in a very scandalous and stylish manner. The Flapper movement was significant because it represented a very important cultural shift for women in the years to come, and it helped define a large portion of the time period. This new empowerment helped fuel the strength of feminism within the country as women gained the right to vote at the beginning of the decade, and women confidently acted in ways which would’ve never been previously approved of. Women, now strengthened with suffrage, could voice their concerns and get their objectives accomplished in the country. With the introduction of revolutionary media forms such as radio and cinema, the country was united and entertained in ways which never happened before in history. Having radios in many households was very significant because families would tune in to hear news updates from events which occurred in real time from all across the …show more content…
The Teapot Dome Scandal, while destroying the country’s reputation, also showed just how slimy and devious many politicians of the time were, as they were taking in huge briberies. In essence, it was a killing of progressivism as the government abandoned the moral obligation to protect the public’s economic and social well-being. Progressives had fought long and hard to make sure that the rights of the citizens would be upheld, and those who needed aid in times of hardship would receive it, but those ideas were being disregarded per the actions of Congress and the presidential administration. Government spending and taxes on the wealthiest citizens were also cut substantially during the Coolidge presidency, and the economic boom managed to keep the public subdued enough to vote against Al Smith and essentially
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