The "Revolution" of American Women in the Flapper Era
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The "Revolution" of American Women in the Flapper Era
~ Research paper ~
American Studies III
The "Revolution" of American Women in the Flapper Era
Were the 1920's a decade of great social change in American History? The answer is affirmative, especially when it comes to women, who radically changed all the aspects of their lives.
Indeed, in the 1920's, a revolution was taking place throughout America, but,, according to Frederick Lewis Allen, “the shock troops of the rebellion were not alien agitators, but the sons and daughters of well-to-do American families. Their defiance was expressed not in obscure radical publications or in soap-box speeches, but right across the family breakfast table into the horrified eras of conservative mothers and fathers” (76). The parents realized that the moral code of the country was in danger. This code meant that women were supposed to be the guardians of morality; they were more sensitive and sensible than men and were expected to act according to the standards of their roles. Of course young girls had to look forward in innocence, to a romantic love match, and until the "right man" came along they were not allowed to be kissed by any male. The general opinion was that it was morally wrong for women to smoke, drink or experience any temptations. In July, 1920, a fashion-writer reported in the New York Times that "the American woman … has lifted her skirts far beyond any modest limitations" (Allen 77). In fact, the hem was of nine inches above the ground.
In terms of fashion, the flapper wore thin dresses, short sleeved, and occasionally, in the evening, sleeveless. "Some of the young girls rolled their stockings below their knees, and many of them were visibly using cosmetics; (…) the intoxication of rouge is an insidious vintage known to more girls that mere man can ever believe" (Allen 77). Some of the women were also abandoning their corsets.
The emergence of public dancing...
~ Research paper ~
American Studies III
The "Revolution" of American Women in the Flapper Era
Were the 1920's a decade of great social change in American History? The answer is affirmative, especially when it comes to women, who radically changed all the aspects of their lives.
Indeed, in the 1920's, a revolution was taking place throughout America, but,, according to Frederick Lewis Allen, “the shock troops of the rebellion were not alien agitators, but the sons and daughters of well-to-do American families. Their defiance was expressed not in obscure radical publications or in soap-box speeches, but right across the family breakfast table into the horrified eras of conservative mothers and fathers” (76). The parents realized that the moral code of the country was in danger. This code meant that women were supposed to be the guardians of morality; they were more sensitive and sensible than men and were expected to act according to the standards of their roles. Of course young girls had to look forward in innocence, to a romantic love match, and until the "right man" came along they were not allowed to be kissed by any male. The general opinion was that it was morally wrong for women to smoke, drink or experience any temptations. In July, 1920, a fashion-writer reported in the New York Times that "the American woman … has lifted her skirts far beyond any modest limitations" (Allen 77). In fact, the hem was of nine inches above the ground.
In terms of fashion, the flapper wore thin dresses, short sleeved, and occasionally, in the evening, sleeveless. "Some of the young girls rolled their stockings below their knees, and many of them were visibly using cosmetics; (…) the intoxication of rouge is an insidious vintage known to more girls that mere man can ever believe" (Allen 77). Some of the women were also abandoning their corsets.
The emergence of public dancing...