Gatsby Lost Generation

After the heavy stresses of WWI, many young soldiers returned home with a need to feel alive again. With the war over and the American economy growing, many US citizens found themselves with money, time, and new ways of expressing themselves. Over one long, prosperous decade, United States grew and changed drastically. The younger generations turned the societal norms of their forefathers on their heads and women began to take large steps away from their stereotyped lifestyle. There were movements in art, music, writing, and politics, as well as an introduction of new cars and machines. With changes in constitutional laws, public ideas, and everyday ideals, the 1920s are considered some of the most pivotal times in the history of the United States.

With the end of the first World War in the year 1918, many soldiers, young and old, came home to their families dark and cynical. Many famous authors of this time, like F. Scott Fitzgerald and Ernest Hemingway, wrote short stories not of their times at war, but of how material the world truly is. These were considered the “Lost Generation,” due to their lack of belief in humans in general and their dreary outlook of life in general. F. Scott Fitzgerald is famous for his book, The Great Gatsby which showed how he as an author viewed the Roaring Twenties, as one of the main themes is the idea that the American Dream is dead and humans are fickle and obsessed with material things, like money. On the opposite end of the spectrum, though, was the bright young generation, which “came into power” shortly after the Lost Generation. These young people were full of bright ideas and with the American Economy is a good place, everyone seemed to be happy. Art and fashion changed drastically, w...

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...War set this movement into pace, bringing out new inventions and laws. The Prohibition and WOmen’s Suffrage came to their strongest points, allowing women to finally have their day at the voting booth, and bringing out the rebellions, “gangster” side of United States citizens. Political “normalcy” was strived for, but never really reached, and flapper girls shocked the older generations with they're boyish haircuts and outgoingness. Dresses ultimately got shorter and music that has lasted to modern times became the coolest fad of the time, turning the 1920s into the popular “Roaring Twenties.” With all of the art, social, and political movements, it was no wonder that the U.S. stock market soon crashed, but what mattered at the time was prosperity, money, and having a good time. The Roaring 1920s was a time that changed the course of United States history for good.