The Speakeasy Sign
In the 1920s, Prohibition swept across the nation, banning the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages. The artifact I’ve chosen is a weathered speakeasy sign. Speakeasies were secret, underground bars that emerged during this time, embodying the rebellious spirit of people who defied the Prohibition laws (Myler). As shown in Figure 1, the sign captures the era’s hidden excitement, as individuals sought clandestine spots to enjoy forbidden pleasures, contributing to the cultural rebellion of the Roaring Twenties.
quot;. Prohibition, 1920s-1933s.” width=”811″ height=”1024″/> Fig. 1. Courtesy of Cornell University Library, “The Speakeasy Sign”. Prohibition, 1920s-1933s.Jazz Record Sleeve
The Harlem Renaissance was a vibrant cultural and artistic movement within the African American community during the 1920s. My chosen artifact is a jazz record sleeve featuring influential musicians of the Harlem Renaissance. Jazz, with its syncopated rhythms and improvisation, became the heartbeat of this cultural explosion (Myler). Figure 2 represents the energy and creativity of the era, showcasing how music played a pivotal role in shaping the identity of the Harlem Renaissance.
Bible from a Fundamentalist Revival
Fundamentalism gained momentum in the 1920s as a response to the changing social and cultural landscape. A well-worn Bible from a fundamentalist revival serves as my artifact, symbolizing the conservative religious movements that sought to preserve traditional values. The pages marked by fervent believers reveal a commitment to fundamentalist ideals in the face of societal transformations, highlighting the clash between modernity and traditional beliefs during this tumultuous period (Figure 3).
quot;. Courtesy of Edward B. Davis, 1936.” width=”336″ height=”505″/> Fig. 3. W. D. Ford. “Bible from a Fundamentalist Revival”. Courtesy of Edward B. Davis, 1936.Flapper Dress
New roles for women emerged in the 1920s, epitomized by the iconic flapper. My chosen artifact is a stylish flapper dress, symbolizing the bold, liberated spirit of women during this time. Shorter hemlines, loose silhouettes, and bobbed hairstyles challenged societal norms, reflecting the newfound freedom and independence that women embraced (Myler). The flapper dress in Figure 4 encapsulates the evolving gender roles and the cultural shift towards a more progressive society.
Model T Ford Brochure
For the fifth artifact, I’ve chosen a Model T Ford brochure. The widespread availability of affordable automobiles revolutionized transportation and social interactions in the 1920s. The brochure showcases the Model T’s simplicity and efficiency, symbolizing the accessibility and mobility that became integral to the changing American lifestyle. This artifact in Figure 5 highlights the impact of technology on daily life, connecting people across distances and contributing to the dynamic cultural changes of the Roaring Twenties.
quot;, 1920s. Motorcities. 2019.” width=”900″ height=”695″/> Fig. 5. National Automotive History Collection. “Model T Ford Brochure”, 1920s. Motorcities. 2019.Work Cited
Myler, Thomas. Jack Dempsey and the Roaring Twenties. eBook Partnership, 2020.