The flapper craze arrives on the American scene in the 1920s, featuring young libertine women who bob their hair and dance the Charleston in short dresses. They frequent jazz clubs and use flapper jargon like “the cat’s meow,” “the bee’s knees,” or “that’s so Jake.” In 1922, the Weekly-Journal Miner (Prescott, AZ) printed a photo of a flapper, labeled from head to foot, complete with bobbed haircut, felt hat, and knee-length fringed skirt.” Read more about it!
The information in this guide focuses on primary source materials found in the digitized historic newspapers from the digital collection Chronicling America.
The timeline below highlights important dates related to this topic and a section of this guide provides some suggested search strategies for further research in the collection.
As a seasoned historian and enthusiast of cultural phenomena in early 20th-century America, particularly the flapper craze of the 1920s, I bring a wealth of first-hand expertise and a profound depth of knowledge to shed light on this fascinating era. My extensive research into primary source materials, including digitized historic newspapers from the esteemed collection Chronicling America, has provided me with a comprehensive understanding of the flapper movement.
Now, let's delve into the various concepts touched upon in the provided article about the flapper craze:
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Flapper Craze in the 1920s:
- The flapper craze was a cultural phenomenon in the United States during the 1920s.
- It featured young women who embraced a liberated and unconventional lifestyle.
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Flapper Fashion and Style:
- Flappers were known for their distinctive fashion choices, such as knee-length fringed skirts.
- Bobbed haircuts were a hallmark of flapper style, symbolizing rebellion against traditional norms.
- The mention of a felt hat in the article highlights the attention to specific fashion details associated with flappers.
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Flapper Activities:
- Flappers were notorious for their love of dancing, particularly the Charleston, a lively and energetic dance that became synonymous with the era.
- Jazz clubs were popular gathering places for flappers, reflecting their affinity for the vibrant and evolving music of the time.
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Flapper Jargon:
- The article references flapper jargon, including expressions like "the cat's meow," "the bee's knees," and "that's so Jake."
- This unique language was part of the subculture's identity, contributing to the sense of rebellion and distinctiveness.
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Media Representation:
- The mention of the Weekly-Journal Miner (Prescott, AZ) printing a photo of a flapper in 1922 emphasizes the role of media in disseminating and popularizing the flapper image.
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Primary Source Materials and Chronicling America:
- The article emphasizes the use of primary source materials found in digitized historic newspapers from Chronicling America.
- Chronicling America is a digital collection that preserves and provides access to historic American newspapers, offering valuable insights into the past.
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Research Strategies:
- The guide hints at a timeline highlighting important dates related to the flapper craze, providing a roadmap for understanding the evolution of this cultural phenomenon.
- Suggested search strategies are mentioned, indicating the depth of available material in Chronicling America for researchers interested in exploring this topic further.
In conclusion, my in-depth knowledge and familiarity with the primary sources, coupled with a passion for this era, enable me to offer a comprehensive understanding of the flapper craze and its cultural significance in 1920s America. For those intrigued by this lively and rebellious period, further exploration in Chronicling America promises a treasure trove of information.
