During the 1920's, the United States started off on a joyride in an "era of wonderful nonsense" (World Book Encyclopedia p.114). Americans felt lighthearted and optimistic after WWI. New advances in technology were invented like the "Model T" and canned foods. People spent more money on travel and vacation resorts. They announced a new generation with jazz bands and a craze for sports and dances.

Life in the home was also affected. Ready-made clothing, and household appliances gave women the opportunity to release themselves from everyday drudgery. More women began to seek work outside of home. Daring girls nicknamed flappers shocked the older and more traditional members of society. Their short skirts, bobbed hair, and public use of cigarettes were frenetic compared to the previous style of that time.

In 1919, Amendment 18 to the Constitution prohibited the manufacture and sale of liquor. This marked a turning point i

Americans in the Roaring Twenties turned inward, away from international issues and social concerns and toward greater individualism (Encarta encyclopedia cd-rom). The emphasis was centered on getting rich and enjoying new fads, new inventions, and new ideas. The city-oriented Jazz Age was challenging the long-established values of rural America.

The Great Depression marked the end of The Jazz Age in 1929. The "easy-life" was lost as America's society collapsed. The prosperity of the 1920's capsized because of the weaknesses in the economy. The stock market, which supported so many people's fortunes, crashed and left many Americans and some of the world penniless. The lifestyle that was made famous during the Jazz Age was found impossible to maintain. Many of the technological and literary advances that were made were forgotten, as the most important issues became the challenge of feeding one's family. The glorious Jazz Era concluded in ruin.

During the 20th century a communications revolution that introduced motion pictures, radio, and television brought the world into view. New forms of communication and new modes of transportation made American society familiar with new ideas

Some common words found in the essay are:
Book Encyclopedia, Jazz Age, President Hoover, , Republican Party, Roaring Twenties, Washington DC, Sandburg American, Lost Generation, Paris Roberts, jazz age, american society, republican party, lost generation, found impossible,
Approximate Word count = 822
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)