History Answer Note #11

Question 1 Reasons why in the 1920s , it was a good time to be there during the harlem renaissance based on information from the article below The 1920s saw a great flourishing of culture within the African-American community. This cultural renaissance (rebirth) was centered in New York's Harlem district and brought together a cadre of talented writers, composers, musicians, artists, and entertainers who broadened and redefined American culture. Blacks trumpeted the cause of the "New Negro," one who was assertive and proud of his or her African heritage. Langston Hughes, a poet prominent during this period, wrote, "We younger Negro artists who create now intend to express our individual dark-skinned selves without fear or shame. If white people are pleased we are glad. If they are not, it doesn't matter. We know we are beautiful." Evidence that Hughes was not alone in his thoughts could be found in the music, literature, and art of the Harlem Renaissance. One of the most powerful aspects of the Harlem Renaissance was its music: jazz. Jazz had its beginnings in New Orleans, a cosmopolitan southern city where African, French, Spanish, and English peoples created a potent cultural milieu (mix). Jazz is a uniquely American music, a combination of rhythmic African drumbeats and European instruments, influenced by the traditional spirituals of black churches, and then blended together in improvisational jam sessions by talented musicians. In the 1920s the lively sounds of jazz moved with the migration of African Americans to cities in the north, first to Chicago and then to New York, and then across the country and around the world. Among the greatest jazz performers was Louis Armstrong, originally a cornet player who traded that instrument for a trumpet. Armstrong was nicknamed "Satchmo," short for Satchelmouth, because his cheeks puffed up so large when he played. His great soaring solos and magnificent trumpet tone re-made jazz. The famous Duke Ellington, an artist turned pianist, composer, and band leader, got his start at Barron's Cabaret, a Harlem joint where jazz flourished in part because of Ellington's musical excellence. Many others, such as Ferdinand "Jelly Roll" Morton, were also very talented, though they never became as well-known. As musical and artistic creativity blossomed, Harlem became popular and lively, and not just for African Americans. African-American entertainers wowed audiences of all races. Whites flocked to clubs like Connie's Inn and the Cotton Club, where most patrons were white and most entertainers were black. Some white musicians, including Paul Whiteman and his orchestra, adopted jazz as their own, and many made far more money than the black musicians who were playing real jazz. Whiteman, for example, eventually made $125,000 a year. But it was the black jazz players, musicians who traced their heritage to the crazy- quilt racial and ethnic stew of New Orleans, who made a lasting mark on American music, Although the sounds of jazz were heard throughout the decade, the Harlem Renaissance was more than just a musical awakening. Playwrights, poets, writers, artists, and actors of every kind made Harlem an artistic mecca that vibrated with creativity during the 1920s and helped firmly establish a growing sense of black pride the United States. Perhaps the most talented Harlem writer and poet of the decade was Langston Hughes. Hughes was working as a busboy at a Washington, DC, hotel when he was discovered by Vachel Lindsay, a popular American poet at the time. Hughes left some of his own poetry at Lindsay's table in the hotel restaurant, and Lindsay shared his admiration of the work with reporters. Suddenly, Hughes was no longer unknown, and he became an articulate and passionate spokesman for African Americans in the 1920s and beyond. His poetry ranged from deeply moving pieces that flushed with black pride to poems that told stories of the most lowly walks of life. He also wrote novels, short stories, experimental theater pieces, and an autobiography. Artists, too, made significant contributions that focused on the culture and history of black Americans. Laura Wheeler Waring painted scenes from the lives of the small number of upper-class African Americans, while Edward A. Harleston focused on the African-American servants, soldiers, hired hands, and day laborers who worked in quiet anonymity. Aaron Douglas, another talented artist, became known for his illustrations and black-and-white drawings. His work was abstract and two-dimensional, for he wanted his viewers to see his human figures as symbolic of all African Americans. His goal was to interpret what he understood to be the spiritual identity and African roots of blacks in the United States through his art. Many of Douglas's later murals, painted during the Great Depression with government support, have survived in excellent condition. Answer Reasons why the 1920s was a good time to be in Harlem during the Harlem Renaissance can be attributed to the great flourishing of culture within the African-American community. This cultural rebirth brought together a diverse group of talented individuals including writers, composers, musicians, artists, and entertainers who redefined American culture and celebrated the "New Negro" - one who was confident and proud of their African heritage. One of the most significant reasons for this cultural flourishing was the emergence of jazz - a uniquely American music that combined rhythmic African drumbeats, European instruments, and the traditional spirituals of black churches. Artists like Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington, among others, contributed to the evolution of this music and brought it to popularity not only in Harlem but also across the country and around the world. Another reason for the vibrant atmosphere of the Harlem Renaissance was the emergence of talented writers such as Langston Hughes, who became one of the most prominent Harlem poets of the decade. Hughes' work ranged from deeply moving pieces that celebrated black pride to stories that shed light on the struggles of everyday life. His contributions, along with other writers and poets, helped firmly establish a growing sense of black pride in the United States. The Harlem Renaissance also saw significant contributions from artists such as Laura Wheeler Waring, Edward A. Harleston, and Aaron Douglas. Waring's paintings depicted scenes from the lives of upper-class African Americans, while Harleston's work focused on the anonymity of African-American servants and laborers. Douglas, known for his abstract and two-dimensional drawings, aimed to interpret the spiritual and African roots of black Americans through his art. Their works provided a platform to celebrate the beauty and diversity of African-American culture. Furthermore, the Harlem Renaissance was not limited to music, literature, and art, but also extended to other forms of entertainment. African-American entertainers, including musicians, actors, and dancers, wowed audiences of all races, proving their talent and creativity to the world. Overall, the 1920s was a good time to be in Harlem during the Harlem Renaissance because it was a period of cultural growth and celebration of African-American identity. The contributions and achievements of these artists and entertainers continue to influence and inspire generations to come. Question 2 Reasons why in the 1920s , you should beware of being there during the harlem renaissance based on information from the article below The 1920s saw a great flourishing of culture within the African-American community. This cultural renaissance (rebirth) was centered in New York's Harlem district and brought together a cadre of talented writers, composers, musicians, artists, and entertainers who broadened and redefined American culture. Blacks trumpeted the cause of the "New Negro," one who was assertive and proud of his or her African heritage. Langston Hughes, a poet prominent during this period, wrote, "We younger Negro artists who create now intend to express our individual dark-skinned selves without fear or shame. If white people are pleased we are glad. If they are not, it doesn't matter. We know we are beautiful." Evidence that Hughes was not alone in his thoughts could be found in the music, literature, and art of the Harlem Renaissance. One of the most powerful aspects of the Harlem Renaissance was its music: jazz. Jazz had its beginnings in New Orleans, a cosmopolitan southern city where African, French, Spanish, and English peoples created a potent cultural milieu (mix). Jazz is a uniquely American music, a combination of rhythmic African drumbeats and European instruments, influenced by the traditional spirituals of black churches, and then blended together in improvisational jam sessions by talented musicians. In the 1920s the lively sounds of jazz moved with the migration of African Americans to cities in the north, first to Chicago and then to New York, and then across the country and around the world. Among the greatest jazz performers was Louis Armstrong, originally a cornet player who traded that instrument for a trumpet. Armstrong was nicknamed "Satchmo," short for Satchelmouth, because his cheeks puffed up so large when he played. His great soaring solos and magnificent trumpet tone remade jazz. The famous Duke Ellington, an artist turned pianist, composer, and band leader, got his start at Barron's Cabaret, a Harlem joint where jazz flourished in part because of Ellington's musical excellence. Many others, such as Ferdinand "Jelly Roll" Morton, were also very talented, though they never became as well-known. As musical and artistic creativity blossomed, Harlem became popular and lively, and not just for African Americans. African-American entertainers wowed audiences of all races. Whites flocked to clubs like Connie's Inn and the Cotton Club, where most patrons were white and most entertainers were black. Some white musicians, including Paul Whiteman and his orchestra, adopted jazz as their own, and many made far more money than the black musicians who were playing real jazz. Whiteman, for example, eventually made $125,000 a year. But it was the black jazz players, musicians who traced their heritage to the crazy- quilt racial and ethnic stew of New Orleans, who made a lasting mark on American music, Although the sounds of jazz were heard throughout the decade, the Harlem Renaissance was more than just a musical awakening. Playwrights, poets, writers, artists, and actors of every kind made Harlem an artistic mecca that vibrated with creativity during the 1920s and helped firmly establish a growing sense of black pride the United States. Perhaps the most talented Harlem writer and poet of the decade was Langston Hughes. Hughes was working as a busboy at a Washington, DC, hotel when he was discovered by Vachel Lindsay, a popular American poet at the time. Hughes left some of his own poetry at Lindsay's table in the hotel restaurant, and Lindsay shared his admiration of the work with reporters. Suddenly, Hughes was no longer unknown, and he became an articulate and passionate spokesman for African Americans in the 1920s and beyond. His poetry ranged from deeply moving pieces that flushed with black pride to poems that told stories of the most lowly walks of life. He also wrote novels, short stories, experimental theater pieces, and an autobiography. Artists, too, made significant contributions that focused on the culture and history of black Americans. Laura Wheeler Waring painted scenes from the lives of the small number of upper-class African Americans, while Edward A. Harleston focused on the African-American servants, soldiers, hired hands, and day laborers who worked in quiet anonymity. Aaron Douglas, another talented artist, became known for his illustrations and black-and-white drawings. His work was abstract and two-dimensional, for he wanted his viewers to see his human figures as symbolic of all African Americans. His goal was to interpret what he understood to be the spiritual identity and African roots of blacks in the United States through his art. Many of Douglas's later murals, painted during the Great Depression with government support, have survived in excellent condition. Answer Based on the information provided in the article, there are a few reasons why one should be cautious of being in the Harlem Renaissance during the 1920s. One of the main reasons is the tension and discrimination that still existed towards the African-American community at that time. Despite the flourishing of culture and talent, there were still many barriers and limitations for African Americans, including limited opportunities for employment and education, as well as social segregation. This could have made it challenging for individuals to fully express their talents and achieve their potential. Another reason to be cautious during the Harlem Renaissance was the appropriation of African American culture by white individuals. As highlighted in the article, some white musicians adopted jazz as their own and profited from it, while black musicians often struggled to make a living. This exploitation of black culture not only perpetuated inequality, but it also downplayed the significance of the contributions made by African Americans. Moreover, the article mentions the complexity and diversity within the African-American community during this time. While some artists and writers focused on celebrating the achievements and history of African Americans, others shed light on the struggles and challenges faced by the black community. This diversity of perspectives and experiences could have created potential conflicts and tensions within the community, making it important to approach and participate in the Harlem Renaissance with caution. In addition, the article also highlights how the Harlem Renaissance attracted attention not just from African Americans, but also from white individuals. This could have led to a sense of intrusion and exploitation, as white audiences flocked to clubs and venues where black entertainers performed. This dynamic may have also influenced the way in which the Harlem Renaissance was perceived and portrayed in the media, potentially leading to misunderstandings and misrepresentations. To conclude, while the Harlem Renaissance was a time of great cultural and artistic achievement for the African-American community, there were also challenges and complexities that should be taken into consideration. It is important to approach the Harlem Renaissance with an understanding of the historical context and complexities, in order to fully appreciate and respect the contributions and experiences of the individuals involved. Question 3 Reasons why in the 1920s , was the place to being during the changing role of women based on information from the article below Women's roles in society changed a great deal during World War I and throughout the 1920s. Before the war, many women, particularly white women, did not work outside the home. Like their working counterparts, many of whom were poor or women of color, these women performed traditional domestic responsibilities of conserving food and fuel resources in the early part of the war. However, as the war continued and more men were drafted to serve in the military, over 23,000 women entered wartime industrial plants for the first time. They took jobs as shipment collectors, accountants, telephone operators, and even steel mill workers. Women who had already been working outside the home found greater employment opportunities, and many were able to move from domestic service to industry jobs. Women's success in traditionally male jobs increased their motivation to be treated as equals with men. As a result, women demanded better wages from their employers and rallied for more political rights. Begun in 1848, the women's suffrage movement (fight to gain women the vote) gained steam in the late teens. After decades of speaking at outdoor meetings and even painting "Votes for Women" on their backs as propaganda, suffragists finally won. The Nineteenth Amendment, ratified in 1920, gave women the right to vote and sparked a new era in women's political participation. After winning suffrage, however, women's political interests splintered and faded in the light of the exciting 1920s cultural innovations. Feminists argued over the goals of feminism, and women of different races tended to believe unified female political participation was impossible. Most of all, in light of new fashion trends and movies, politics seemed boring to many women. Swayed by societal pressure and consumer advertising for new products and sexier images, many women channeled their attention away from politics and into social life. For many women the 1920s brought newfound freedom and independence. Empowered from political successes, and entering an era when people had more leisure time to spend, women began to challenge traditional ideas of women's role in society. Unmarried working women had their own money to spend, and access to automobiles brought greater mobility. In addition, sexual mores were changing, influenced by the work of psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud. Many people believed that Freud promoted uninhibited sexual expression as a means for curing a multitude of ills. Margaret Sanger, a birth control advocate who had been shunned in the past, became respected and admired during the twenties. Attention to female sports stars, like tennis champion "Queen Helen" Wills, encouraged women to prize a combination of health and femininity. Women's fashions became an outlet for personal expression, and women's focus on body image became more prominent. Ads for cigarettes promoted smoking as a sign of sophistication, and also promised to help women stay thin, claiming, for example, "Light a Lucky and you'll never miss sweets that make you fat." Embracing widespread societal changes, women engaged in practices that their Victorian mothers and grandmothers labeled as shockingly "immoral." Women's clothing fashion styles became less modest, beginning with shorter hemlines. One researcher charted the "rise" of women's skirts from 1919, when the long dresses uncovered only 10 percent of women's bodies, to 1927, when knee-length flashy wraps left 25 percent of their bodies bare. Many women also cut their hair short, wearing "shingle bob" hairstyles cropped at men's barber shops, and covering them with close-fitting hats. Disapproving elders nicknamed these daring young women flappers: rebellious young women who wore short skirts, smoked, danced wildly in new dances like the Charleston, joined the Communist Party, and used cosmetics and birth control. Indeed, many flappers, usually young, upper-middle-class white women, proudly displayed the signs of their independence, sexuality, and energetic youth. Image-conscious women took up smoking, and the number of women smokers doubled during the decade. Many flappers also painted their faces with rouge, powder, and lipstick, practices that society had earlier assigned to prostitutes. Reflecting looser attitudes toward sex, many women in coeducational colleges sought to become "the cat's meow" with "s.a.," or sex appeal. They told more off-color jokes, and snuck away from romantic movies to "park" and "pet" in automobiles, devoid of chaperones. One 18-yearold female announced, "If I see any more of these passionate fiery movies I will not be able to resist the plan to become a wife before next quarter...when I first entered high school these scenes gave me unpleasant and guilty feelings... [now] in such a different light...I actually want to experience these scenes, and see beauty in them." Despite the changes and trends in sexuality, however, few women during the 1920s considered sex outside of marriage. Only a few bold women openly declared a commitment to their autonomy, such as African-American singer Bessie Smith, who sang, "I ain't gonna marry, ain't gonna settle down." Answer The 1920s was a pivotal time for women's roles in society, as seen through the lens of major changes such as World War I and the women's suffrage movement. The war not only brought about the entry of over 23,000 women into the workforce, but also sparked a new sense of empowerment and motivation for women to be treated as equals to men. This, along with the success of the suffrage movement and the ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment giving women the right to vote, paved the way for a new era of political participation and feminist ideas. One major reason for the changing role of women in the 1920s was the newly gained economic independence and social freedom. With more job opportunities available and increasing wages, women were no longer solely reliant on men for financial support. This gave them a newfound sense of agency and allowed them to challenge traditional ideas of a woman's role in society. Additionally, advancements in technology and transportation, such as automobiles, provided women with more mobility and freedom to explore new opportunities outside of the home. Furthermore, the changing views on sexuality and beauty also played a significant role in the changing role of women. The rise of psychoanalytic theories and the influence of figures like Sigmund Freud challenged societal norms and encouraged women to embrace their desires and sexuality. This was further perpetuated by the increasingly bold and provocative fashion trends, as seen in the rise of flapper culture with its shorter hemlines and bolder hairstyle choices. This shift in societal attitudes also led to more women participating in activities traditionally associated with men, such as smoking and watching romantic movies without chaperones. However, it is important to note that not all women during this time embraced these changes and many still upheld conservative values. Additionally, women of color faced their own unique challenges and barriers in the fight for equality. Despite these limitations and divisions, the 1920s marked a significant and empowering time for women, as they broke away from traditional ideas and paved the way for the feminist movement to come. In conclusion, the 1920s was a pivotal era for women's roles in society, shaped by economic, social, and cultural changes. The impact of World War I, the success of the suffrage movement, and changing views on sexuality and beauty all contributed to the newfound independence and empowerment of women in the 1920s. With this newfound freedom, women challenged traditional ideas and paved the way for a more inclusive and equal society. Question 4 Reasons why in the 1920s , during the changing role of women things you should be aware of based on information from the article below Women's roles in society changed a great deal during World War I and throughout the 1920s. Before the war, many women, particularly white women, did not work outside the home. Like their working counterparts, many of whom were poor or women of color, these women performed traditional domestic responsibilities of conserving food and fuel resources in the early part of the war. However, as the war continued and more men were drafted to serve in the military, over 23,000 women entered wartime industrial plants for the first time. They took jobs as shipment collectors, accountants, telephone operators, and even steel mill workers. Women who had already been working outside the home found greater employment opportunities, and many were able to move from domestic service to industry jobs. Women's success in traditionally male jobs increased their motivation to be treated as equals with men. As a result, women demanded better wages from their employers and rallied for more political rights. Begun in 1848, the women's suffrage movement (fight to gain women the vote) gained steam in the late teens. After decades of speaking at outdoor meetings and even painting "Votes for Women" on their backs as propaganda, suffragists finally won. The Nineteenth Amendment, ratified in 1920, gave women the right to vote and sparked a new era in women's political participation. After winning suffrage, however, women's political interests splintered and faded in the light of the exciting 1920s cultural innovations. Feminists argued over the goals of feminism, and women of different races tended to believe unified female political participation was impossible. Most of all, in light of new fashion trends and movies, politics seemed boring to many women. Swayed by societal pressure and consumer advertising for new products and sexier images, many women channeled their attention away from politics and into social life. For many women the 1920s brought newfound freedom and independence. Empowered from political successes, and entering an era when people had more leisure time to spend, women began to challenge traditional ideas of women's role in society. Unmarried working women had their own money to spend, and access to automobiles brought greater mobility. In addition, sexual mores were changing, influenced by the work of psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud. Many people believed that Freud promoted uninhibited sexual expression as a means for curing a multitude of ills. Margaret Sanger, a birth control advocate who had been shunned in the past, became respected and admired during the twenties. Attention to female sports stars, like tennis champion "Queen Helen" Wills, encouraged women to prize a combination of health and femininity. Women's fashions became an outlet for personal expression, and women's focus on body image became more prominent. Ads for cigarettes promoted smoking as a sign of sophistication, and also promised to help women stay thin, claiming, for example, "Light a Lucky and you'll never miss sweets that make you fat." Embracing widespread societal changes, women engaged in practices that their Victorian mothers and grandmothers labeled as shockingly "immoral." Women's clothing fashion styles became less modest, beginning with shorter hemlines. One researcher charted the "rise" of women's skirts from 1919, when the long dresses uncovered only 10 percent of women's bodies, to 1927, when knee-length flashy wraps left 25 percent of their bodies bare. Many women also cut their hair short, wearing "shingle bob" hairstyles cropped at men's barber shops, and covering them with close-fitting hats. Disapproving elders nicknamed these daring young women flappers: rebellious young women who wore short skirts, smoked, danced wildly in new dances like the Charleston, joined the Communist Party, and used cosmetics and birth control. Indeed, many flappers, usually young, upper-middle-class white women, proudly displayed the signs of their independence, sexuality, and energetic youth. Image-conscious women took up smoking, and the number of women smokers doubled during the decade. Many flappers also painted their faces with rouge, powder, and lipstick, practices that society had earlier assigned to prostitutes. Reflecting looser attitudes toward sex, many women in coeducational colleges sought to become "the cat's meow" with "s.a.," or sex appeal. They told more off-color jokes, and snuck away from romantic movies to "park" and "pet" in automobiles, devoid of chaperones. One 18-yearold female announced, "If I see any more of these passionate fiery movies I will not be able to resist the plan to become a wife before next quarter...when I first entered high school these scenes gave me unpleasant and guilty feelings... [now] in such a different light...I actually want to experience these scenes, and see beauty in them." Despite the changes and trends in sexuality, however, few women during the 1920s considered sex outside of marriage. Only a few bold women openly declared a commitment to their autonomy, such as African-American singer Bessie Smith, who sang, "I ain't gonna marry, ain't gonna settle down." Answer The 1920s saw a significant shift in the role of women in society, spurred by the effects of World War I and changing cultural attitudes. As outlined in the article "Women's Roles in Society Changed a Great Deal During World War I", there were several important factors that contributed to this change. Firstly, the war forced women, particularly white women, to take on traditionally male roles and enter the workforce. With many men drafted into the military, over 23,000 women found employment in industries previously dominated by men. This experience not only opened up new job opportunities for women, but also increased their desire for equal treatment and better wages. Secondly, the women's suffrage movement gained momentum in the 1920s, resulting in the ratification of the 19th Amendment which gave women the right to vote. This landmark achievement empowered women and sparked a new era of political participation. However, after the ratification of the 19th Amendment, women's political interests splintered and many lost interest in politics altogether. The exciting cultural innovations of the 1920s, such as new fashion trends and movies, drew their attention away from political issues. This shift in focus was also influenced by societal pressure and consumer advertising, promoting new products and a more sexually liberated image for women. The newfound freedom and independence gained by women through political and cultural changes also contributed to a challenge to traditional ideas about women's roles in society. With their own source of income and access to automobiles, unmarried working women were able to experience a greater sense of mobility and autonomy. Additionally, changing sexual mores, influenced by the work of Sigmund Freud, encouraged a focus on personal expression and physical health. However, it is important to note that while there were changes in attitudes towards sex and sexuality, the majority of women in the 1920s still considered sex outside of marriage as taboo. Only a small number of women openly declared a commitment to their autonomy in this regard. In conclusion, the changing role of women in the 1920s can be attributed to a combination of factors such as the impact of World War I, the success of the women's suffrage movement, and shifting societal attitudes. These changes brought about newfound freedoms and independence for women, but also led to societal debates and divisions over the goals of feminism. Question 5 Reasons why in the 1920s , during the popularity of radio and movies was the place to be based on information from the article below Along with sports industry, the entertainment industry took advantage of Americans' increased leisure time and income during the 1920s. Radios became more affordable, and quickly became a staple in working-class and middle-class homes alike. Movies became a new craze, as people escaped the postwar recession and then celebrated postwar prosperity with indulgence in entertainment. Though radios were invented much earlier, cheaper prices and increased consumerism led to a huge surge in radio popularity and innovative radio broadcasting in the 1920s. The first licensed radio station was KDKA in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, which broadcast the 1920 presidential election results. More and more stations were established, and as stations used studio cloths to muffle background noise and improve the quality of their sound, radio coverage gained popularity. At the end of 1922, three million Americans owned radios and could listen to 508 stations. By 1929 the National Broadcasting Company (NBC) was making $150 million a year. Radio programming brought dramatic changes to ordinary people's lives. Live broadcasts instantly connected Americans with nationwide events, including orchestra performances, soloist concerts, sports events, and politicians' speeches. Comedies like "Amos and Andy" and dramatic series like "The Shadow," featuring the deep-voiced Orson Welles, became a part of the lives of millions. In particular, churchgoers appreciated the flexibility radio afforded their lifestyles and religious practices. In 1922, for example, one modern preacher broadcast his Easter Sunday sermon from an airplane, enabling golfers to hear his message while they played. Unified by radio transmission, Americans together enjoyed the drama of news and the pleasure of cultural trends. Like radio broadcasting, the motion picture film industry's growth during the 1920s revolutionized American entertainment. Earlier film successes were profitable-The Birth of a Nation made $18 million in 1915-but producers limited actors' success by keeping them anonymous and modestly paid. Critics also warned that films would decrease church attendance and increase materialism, immorality, and marital tensions. However, American moviegoers, eager to escape the postwar recession, flocked to theaters in the early twenties to drink in the melodramatic love and fight scenes offered by romance films and Westerns. Films created fantasies that the "poorest Cinderella" could become rich and glamorous like onscreen stars. The movie industry also created thousands of jobs, attracting politicians' support. Advertisements also enticed the public by glorifying sex in movies, promising "champagne baths...petting parties in the purple dawn, all ending in one terrific smashing climax that makes you gasp." In the face of increasing demand, small production companies soon combined to form giant industries that produced hundreds of films, making movies rival sports, music, and reading as the top-grossing forms of American entertainment. By 1922 almost every community in America had at least a 100-seat movie theater for a total 40 million weekly moviegoers. Both middle-class and working-class Americans sought leisure in these theaters for 10¢ to 75¢ per picture. Movie theater "palaces" in larger U.S. cities such as San Francisco and New York boasted opulent interiors including red carpet, gilded ceilings, crystal chandeliers, and Renaissance statues to welcome up to 5,000 wealthier moviegoers. By 1929 movies, theater, and spectator sports brought in 21 percent of the nation's total $4.3 billion in amusement revenues. Mesmerized by theater magic, many Americans worshipped movie stars and modeled their personal lives after onscreen heroes. Rudolph Valentino, an Italian actor who played an Arab "sheik" who stole women into his tent, was emulated by male fans, who grew slick sideburns and pouted like "Latin lovers." When Valentino died suddenly at age 31, mourners lined up over one mile to pass by his coffin, and some women even committed suicide. Composers wrote songs honoring Valentino's machismo: "I'm the sheik of Araby, your love belongs to me. At night when you're asleep, into your tent I'll creep." When "America's sweetheart" actress Mary Pickford married actor Douglas Fairbanks in 1920, fans followed the wedding as if it were part of their own personal lives. Clara Bow, "The Hottest Jazz Baby in Films," bared her legs onscreen and induced heartache in her real-life lovers, and comedian Charlie Chaplin made America both laugh and cry. Lillian Gish, a supremely talented character actress, drew huge audiences when she convincingly played a 15-yearold girl in the film Broken Blossoms. Her salary matched her acclaim at $400,000 per year. On October 6, 1927, movies became even more lifelike with the film "The Jazz Singer," the first movie with sound. Called "talkies," speaking movies made Warner Brothers' producers instantly successful for its Vitaphone wax recording device, and ushered in a new era of more realistic acting. "The Jazz Singer" grossed over $2 million and paved the way for an era of new movie stars. Answer During the 1920s, the United States experienced a significant increase in leisure time and income, which led to a surge in popularity for radio and movies. This rise in popularity can be attributed to various factors, including technological advancements, increased consumerism, and the desire for escapism from the postwar recession. One of the main reasons for the rise of radio and movies in the 1920s was the increased affordability and accessibility of these forms of entertainment. The development of mass production techniques and a growing consumer culture led to cheaper prices for radios and movie tickets, making them more accessible to the working and middle classes. This increased accessibility allowed for a wider audience to enjoy these forms of entertainment, contributing to their popularity. Moreover, the postwar economic boom led to an increase in disposable income, providing Americans with the means to indulge in leisure activities such as listening to the radio or going to the movies. As a result, radios became a staple in many households, and the number of people attending movie theaters also increased significantly. One significant event that helped solidify the popularity of the radio was the establishment of the first licensed radio station, KDKA in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, which broadcasted the 1920 presidential election results. This event showcased the potential of radio as a means of communication and entertainment, leading to the establishment of more radio stations and an increase in the variety of programming offered. Furthermore, technological advancements during this period, such as the use of studio cloths to improve sound quality, made radio broadcasts more engaging and entertaining. As a result, more and more Americans found themselves tuning in to radio shows for live broadcasts of events, including orchestra performances, concerts, sports events, and political speeches. Similarly, the film industry also experienced a significant growth during the 1920s. The development of new technologies, such as the widescreen, color films, and the introduction of sound in movies, made the experience of going to the movies more exciting and appealing to audiences. Additionally, the themes and storylines of the films during this period reflected the desires and fantasies of the American people, providing an escape from the realities of the postwar recession. Movies also became a significant source of employment and revenue, attracting support from politicians. The rise of large production companies, advertising techniques that glorified sex and indulgence, and the creation of luxurious movie theaters or "palaces" in major cities, further contributed to the success of the film industry. Finally, the rise of movie stars, such as Mary Pickford, Douglas Fairbanks, and Charlie Chaplin, who were idolized by millions of Americans, played a crucial role in the popularity of movies during the 1920s. Their on-screen performances and personal lives were often emulated by fans, creating a sense of connection between the audience and the stars. In conclusion, the popularity of radio and movies in the 1920s can be attributed to a combination of factors, including technological advancements, increased affordability and accessibility, economic prosperity, and the desire for escapism. These factors came together to create a cultural phenomenon that revolutionized American entertainment and left a lasting impact on the industry.