"It is the custom to look back . . .
. . . on ourselves of the boom days with a disapproval that approaches horror...But it had its virtues, that old boom: Life was a great deal larger and gayer for most people, and the stampede to the Spartan virtues in times of war and famine shouldn't make us too dizzy to remember its hilarious glory."
— F. Scott Fitzgerald
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The Roaring Twenties
— from the series America in the 20th Century
In the postwar era, the 1920s epitomized American ambition, marked by prosperity, the ascendancy of big business, and the dominance of Republican politics. This decade showcased a fervent drive for innovation, epitomized by Lindbergh's historic transatlantic flight in 1927. Lessons from this period resonate today—women's struggle for equality, the impact of radical labor movements and ideologies, the complexities of racial tensions, the drive to assimilate immigrants, and the interplay among those with differing sets of belief.
Video Chapters
The Roaring Twenties is the fourth program in the award-winning video series America in the 20th Century. It surveys the period of economic prosperity and cultural awakening between World War I and the Great Depression.
The program is presented in five video chapters. Experience a sneak peek here — or unlock the complete videos by joining our exclusive members-only Streaming Room™. Not yet a member? Subscribing is quick and effortless and provides access to a wealth of U.S. history and social studies content.
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