The Jazz Ages: Part 1, The Origins

The 1920’s were known by several names: The Jazz Age, Roaring 20’s or Golden Twenties. They were immortalized by the music scene and lavish lifestyles. Still recovering from the pain and disillusionment that came from fighting in The Great War, this decade became one of denial and breaking free from traditional values. The rise of Jazz and technological advances of the time allowed for a cultural revolution in America that gave this decade it’s famous name.

The decade was marked mostly by two factors: the younger generations breaking free and rejecting traditional values, and Jazz. This was due mainly because so many young men went to fight in the trenches during World War I under relatively false pretenses. They were led to believe they would be fighting for freedom but returned having lost their innocence and beliefs on the battlefield. When they came back to the United States they were met with a country that was trying to forget the war and lived lavishly. America hadn’t ever seen so much money, it was impossible to believe that something like the Wall Street Crash of 1929 could happen. On top of that, it was also the start of the Prohibition Era, meaning that the younger generations did not identify at all with the country they were returning to. They rejected all of the old traditional values because of how hypocritical they found them after returning from the war.

It became apparent at the time, that one of the best ways to rebel against society was to dance and party to Jazz. Jazz artist of the time had been mostly concentrated in New Orleans but during the 20’s decided moved to big northern cities like Chicago or New York, where it would later evolve with each city. The technology of the time allowed for radio broadcasting to begin, meaning people could enjoy Jazz and all its variations without going to a club. Due to prohibition though many bars and dance clubs had to be speakeasies, meaning they were underground clubs, which meant that Jazz became associated with rebellion. From the music to the style, this era had a different energy to any other and it marked one of the most defining centuries of American history. To read more about this era or any other era, please feel free to browse through our online library www.vujar.com.