1920s

The 1920s, spanning from 1920 to 1929, was a decade of rapid social, cultural, and economic change in the wake of World War I. It featured widespread urbanization, new consumer cultures, and shifts in gender roles and labor relations. The era also included social tensions, such as Prohibition in the United States (1920–1933).

Economy and politics: The United States experienced a sustained boom driven by mass production, electrification, and consumer credit. Europe’s economies recovered unevenly, with Germany and others implementing stabilization measures after postwar challenges. International diplomacy sought peaceful settlements, including the Locarno Treaties (1925), the Kellogg-Briand Pact (1928), and ongoing League of Nations efforts.

Culture and society: The Jazz Age and the Harlem Renaissance enriched music, literature, and art. Cinema evolved from silent films to sound with The Jazz Singer (1927). Art Deco design and modernist movements influenced architecture and fashion. Mass media and advertising expanded, while many countries extended or consolidated rights for women and reorganized social norms.

Science and technology: Aviation achievements culminated in Charles Lindbergh’s solo Atlantic flight (1927). Medical science advanced with the isolation of penicillin (1928). Widespread electrification, the spread of automobiles, and other consumer technologies transformed daily life.

Legacy: The decade ended with the stock market crash of 1929, signaling the onset of the Great Depression and reshaping economic policy and political life worldwide. The 1920s are remembered for cultural upheaval, modernization, and uneven distributions of wealth and opportunity.