History 122 A
Dr. Epting
April 8, 2013
The "Roaring '20s"
The "Roaring '20s" changed American culture and society forever. Women were greatly affected by this change. These changes not only showed independence for women, but changed the role of women. The public was aroused with suspicion. Women 's clothing changed drastically beginning in the 1920s. The public saw women shortening the length of their skirts, cultivate a boyish figure, rouged their cheeks, cut their hair into a bob, and they no longer wore flesh-colored stockings. They also smoked cigarettes and wore red lipstick. These women were referred to as flappers. Flirting was seen openly in public with more than one male. These "new" women danced "the shimmy" in jazz clubs. This behavior was seen as scandalous by their mother 's standards (American Horizons 859). This behavior was seen as a scandalous act, because women in the eras before, had never acted this way. Clara Bow symbolized the flapper or "new woman". …show more content…
Movies and magazines began to show the modern "working girl". Women started being hired as secretaries, which was seen as the perfect job for young, middle-class, white women. This job for women was viewed as a temporary phase before marriage and returning to the home (American Horizons 861). The 1920s changed the role of women forever. The things that these women did affected America significantly and still have an impact on the way America is today. Women Without the women of the 1920s, women today still might not have a voice in politics, have jobs outside of the home, or be successful in their jobs. Women may also not have changed the way they dress either. I am glad that these women stood up for themselves and made many changes in America. I am glad that I can get an education, have a job, and vote. I am also glad that I do not have to wear Victorian style dresses and can show a little