The Flapper Movement

Words: 1935
Pages: 8
Open Document
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
Show More

Related Documents: The Flapper Movement

Flappers: The First Feminist Movement

The idea of flappers started during the first feminist movement in the late 1800s, but became popular because women stared seeking more equality and because of movies. The first influential flapper was Marie Prevost, who was the first person to wear a flapper dress in a movie, which was then popularized by Gilda Grey. Another influential women was Bessie Smith because of her popularity as a jazz singer, which, lead women to wear these outfits in speakeasies. Flappers often had bobbed hair cuts, wore…

Words 105 - Pages 1

Victorian Era Flappers Essay

ways and became known as the “flappers.” Although Victorians had strict norms for women, the flappers challenged those values and created a new definition for women through appearances, actions, and by moving into public eye. Victorian women were ideally prim and proper. These women were always fully dressed with long dresses or skirts, and long sleeved tops with fancy headwear. They made sure they were fully clothed with no revealing body parts. After the war, flappers broke through those values…

Words 708 - Pages 3

Flappers Research Paper

How Flappers opened womanhood to women Aerin Gilmore Mr.See American History Honors 29, March 2024 Sleeveless, low cut, and knee length. That was the attire of a type of dancer called a flapper in the roaring 20s or jazz age, which was considered extremely scandalous at the time because it pushed the barriers to economic, political and sexual freedom for women. . Flappers' attire represented social change, women's liberation and professionalism. Men were used to the pre-war women's attire, which…

Words 930 - Pages 4

History Day Project Essay

Angelica Santos Gallagher History Day Project February 24, 2014 The Roaring 20’s In the 1920s, women started to act differently and dress differently because of this they started to gain more rights. These women become known as flappers. During, the war women had took on different roles. They started to do things that men would usually do. When the war was over, women had a brand new attitude. Lastly, because of the women wanting to be different and do…

Words 1089 - Pages 5

Flappers Research Paper

Flappers were known for their outrageous behavior. Even though, to many, it was only a phase, the flappers did help women’s rights progress. Flappers represented freedom and social and cultural change. Flappers were more rebellious, sexual, and scandalous then women in past generations. These women embraced things society deemed as unladylike. They wore short skirts, bob cut hair, and smoked and drank in public places. They even shown women could be as sexual as men. This ‘forbidden’ fun represented…

Words 266 - Pages 2

Fitzgerald Flapper In The 1920's

The Flapper & Fitzgerald Flapper Starting in the 1920's women's roles were soon starting to change. This was the time of the flapper, one of our biggest cultural icons in the 1920s, made a coming out. This so called “new woman" put an end to not only our traditional victorian woman, but also to the somewhat new Gibson girl. But we all ask, where did she come from? Before World War I, the women in the America mostly still behaved and dressed like proper young women. But it all change. During World…

Words 944 - Pages 4

Flappers In The 1920's

Flappers: The Revaluation of the Traditional Women Imagine living during the 1920’s the beginning of women acting out rebelliously, doing things like cursing, smoking, and drinking in public. Many women that made these bold actions, were called flappers. Flappers were typically young, middle class women that lived in urban areas. There mindset was carefree and more independent than ever before. Most women worked during World War I so that men could serve in the war. After the war women felt there…

Words 1545 - Pages 7

Essay about How to Be a Flapper

How To Be A Flapper center5016500 Know what a Flapper girl is. The dictionary defines a flapper as - "A young woman, especially one in the 1920s, who showed disdain for conventional dress and behaviour." In the 1920s women were gaining more independence (e.g. being given the right to vote) so America as the people knew it then was changing. The style came around after the First World War, and women were sick of following ‘society’s rules’. Flappers were most commonly known for their dancing,…

Words 586 - Pages 3

Essay On Counterculture

much free time there was after World War I. People were exposed to new ideas and challenged the traditional values in society. Women fought to change their social status in society. One of the rights they fought to change was the right to vote. The Flappers were one of the major traditions or the start of counterculture because it tempted lifestyle change in a bad way. Smoking, drinking and sex became more popular but was heavily looked upon. Counterculture was also plagued by those who fought for their…

Words 1403 - Pages 6

Gibson Girl Research Paper

In this article, we will first of all observe the typical “Gibson girl” from before the war era, then we will see exactly how women were acting during the 1920s, and then finally see how these changes impacted society. The Gibson Girl The attitude and behavior of women at the dawn of the 20th century were very different than likes of which we could see soon after. Before the first world war, the average woman was described as a “Gibson Girl”. To apply to this description, women had to fit into…

Words 613 - Pages 3