World War I: A Catalyst for the Roaring Twenties

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The “Roaring Twenties” would not have happened without the United States entering World War I in 1917. Being involved in this war changed the United States’ culture and ideals. It also changed American music. Ragtime and the early stages of blues were popular in the United States during World War I. These styles were brought to the different countries soldiers were stationed in during the war. Many technological and social changes occurred in the United States after the end of World War I. Radio broadcasting and the film industry expanded. Films now included dialogue and were not “silent” anymore. During the 1920’s, prohibition banned the production and sale of alcohol. The Harlem Renaissance occurred during this era. It celebrated African American literature and art. The “Roaring Twenties” is also called the “Jazz Age.” Ballroom dancing was widespread and different styles of dance developed during this time. Popular dances included tango and the Charleston. The Nineteenth Amendment gave women the right to vote. This victory helped women continue changing gender roles in the United States. “Flapper” fashion for women was considered to be …show more content…

The melodic instruments were in the front line. These instruments were cornet or trumpet, clarinet and trombone. The cornet or trumpet improvised on the main melody. The clarinet played a countermelody, usually above the cornet and faster. The trombone played melodies under the cornet to signal chord changes. The rhythm section provided support. The instruments in the rhythm section were guitar or piano, drums, and bass or tuba. The pieces that these bands played were based on other pieces of music such as ragtime, 12-bar blues, and church songs. New Orleans jazz evolved, mostly in Chicago, during the 1920s. Soloing became more prominent than collective improvisation. The trumpet replaced the cornet and saxophones were

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