The 1920s was deeply influenced by the end of the War and the enactment of the 18th Amendment, the Volstad Act, which prohibited people from imbibing alcohol. People wanted to forget the idea and stench of war – they wanted to let go –and they wanted to express their individuality. Returning veterans were deeply disturbed by the Constitutional change – a law enacted while they were away trying to save the country. People cut loose from their previous inhibitions and morals and did what they wanted to do. Sexual restraints took a heavy beating and to our vocabulary were added words like petting, flapper girl, rumble seat, and sugar daddy. People consistently disobeyed the law on not drinking which created a very powerful underworld of criminal – their suppliers.
Charles Lindberg crossed the Atlantic and air travel became a reality; the Charleston and the Rumba were the latest dance crazes; the King Tut mania landed in 1922 and stayed the whole decade; and the hit songs were “Yes, We Have No Bananas” and “Happy Days are Here Again”.
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