MARTIN GITLIN
THE ROARING
s AND
PROHIBITION
American Eras: Defining Moments
Published in the United States of America by Cherry Lake Publishing Group
Ann Arbor, Michigan
www.cherrylakepublishing.com
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Copyright 2022 by Cherry Lake Publishing Group
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means
without written permission from the publisher.
Cherry Lake Press is an imprint of Cherry Lake Publishing Group.
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Names: Gitlin, Marty, author.
Title: The roaring 20s and Prohibition / by Martin Gitlin.
Description: Ann Arbor, Michigan : Cherry Lake Publishing, [2021] | Series: American eras: dening
moments | Includes bibliographical references and index.
Identiers: LCCN 2021007863 (print) | LCCN 2021007864 (ebook) | ISBN 9781534187368 (hardcover) |
ISBN 9781534188761 (paperback) | ISBN 9781534190160 (pdf) | ISBN 9781534196001 (ebook)
Subjects: LCSH: United StatesHistory1919-1933Juvenile literature. | United StatesSocial life and
customs1918-1945Juvenile literature. | ProhibitionUnited StatesHistoryJuvenile literature.
Classication: LCC E784 .G58 2021 (print) | LCC E784 (ebook) | DDC 973.91/5dc23
LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2021007863
LC ebook record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2021007864
Cherry Lake Publishing Group would like to acknowledge the work of the Partnership for 21st Century
Learning, a Network of Battelle for Kids. Please visit http://www.battelleforkids.org/networks/p21
for more information.
Printed in the United States of America
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Martin Gitlin has written more than 150 educational books. He also won more than 45 awards
during his 11-year career as a newspaper journalist. Gitlin lives in Cleveland, Ohio.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION .........................................................
CHAPTER 1
The Jazz Age and Pushing the Norm ....................
CHAPTER 2
Prohibition ...........................................................
CHAPTER 3
A Buying Binge ......................................................
CHAPTER 4
Big Victory for Women .........................................
RESEARCH & ACT .............................................................
TIMELINE .........................................................................
FURTHER RESEARCH ........................................................
GLOSSARY ........................................................................
INDEX ..............................................................................
[ 21st century skills library ]
T he shooting had finally stopped in Europe. World War I was
over. The United States helped its Allies win and emerged as a
stronger nation.
Americans gained confidence in their country. They believed
more than ever in its ideals of freedom and democracy . By 1920,
they were ready to enjoy the fruits of prosperity .
For many, this confidence meant spending and investing
a lot of money. Many people bought things they couldnt afford to
pay for immediately. They spent their earnings on expensive items
like cars. They invested money in the stock market. They believed
that the economy would continue to thrive.
Many believed the good times would last forever. It was a time
of optimism and carefree lifestyles. People called it the Roaring
Twenties. Some Americans danced and partied without a care
in the world. And they enjoyed a new form of music.
introduction
The United States experienced and recovered from a global pandemic
leading up to the Roaring Twenties. America was ready for change.
[ 21st century skills library ]
T he 1920s are often referred to as the Jazz Age. Playing, dancing,
and listening to jazz became increasingly popular in the United States.
This unique style of improvised music and dance can be traced back
to African American traditions and culture. What first started in
New Orleans, Louisiana, quickly grew in popularity across the nation.
But the Jazz Age nickname reflected more than just the increase in
the musics popularity. It also reflected the carefree outlook and
lifestyle adopted by millions.
The Jazz Age promoted a fast-paced city life. Urban centers
such as New York City, New York, and Chicago, Illinois, buzzed
with activity. Famed writer F. Scott Fitzgerald described the time
The Jazz Age and
Pushing the Norm
CHAPTER 1
[
THE ROARING 20
s AND PROHIBITION
]
Many new styles of dances also emerged, including
Lindy Hop and the Charleston.
[ 21st century skills library ]
as when the parties were bigger, the pace was faster, the buildings
were higher, the morals looser.
