The Ferocious Roar

This picture depicts the aura and feel of the 1920’s...

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 01:34:00 -0400

This picture depicts the aura and feel of the 1920’s — which is also nicknamed “the jazz age”.

Approximately 500 000 African Americans moved to the northern parts of the United States in search of job opportunities. During the 1920’s, the African Americans heightened in the the music industry. The blues and Dixieland music became popular during this time.

This time was characterized by the Charleston dance, the style of music — blues and Dixieland, and the growing popularity of jazz — first in the United States, and slowly the other parts of the world.

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The jazz age indubitably “roared” because this period of time introduced different styles of music and the Charleston dance — both great factors to have at a 1920’s-worthy party.

This is a poster that symbolizes the alcohol prohibition that...

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 01:30:00 -0400

This is a poster that symbolizes the alcohol prohibition that happened in the 1920’s.

As described by http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.com/articles/prohibition, prohibition was an attempt to forbid by law the selling and drinking of intoxicating beverages.

However, even after the law was introduced, the sale of alcohol continued — illegal drinking establishments (called speakeasies or blind pigs) started springing up everywhere. The illegal sale of alcohol (called bootlegging) rose rapidly as the men’s desire for alcohol increased. Many men would pretend to be ill and buy alcohol to fulfill their drinking obsession.

However, Canadian governments noticed that the prohibition wasn’t working. Provinces stopped prohibition, and men were happy again. The province with the shortest prohibition was Quebec (from 1917 - 1921), and the province with the longest prohibition was Prince Edward Island (from 1900 - 1948).

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Overall, the 1920’s “roared” (for the men, at least) because prohibition was put to an end in some provinces during this period. However, for the women that hankered prohibition, it was not a happy time. But, in conclusion, the 1920’s “roared” with the decline of prohibition because men were allowed to drink again, and this allowed for better parties and a merry time.

Branch Plants in Canada in the 1920's

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 01:05:00 -0400

Before I start talking about branch plants in Canada in the 1920’s, it’s important that you know what a branch plant is. The definition provided by http://www.timetoast.com/timelines/81853 is: [A] branch plant is a system introduced by Americans, [that] involves American manufacturing and commercial firms that were located in Canada to avoid the import tariffs that was part of [the] Nation’s Policy.This means that the profits made by these branch plants usually were obtained by the United States’ companies.

There were mixed feelings from Canadians about these U.S. branch plants. Some Canadians felt that American investment was good for Canada. These people felt that the American capital would help Canada develop into a strong economic nation. However, other Canadians felt that too much American investment in Canada would result in the States gaining control of the nation’s economy (called “Americanization of the Canadian economy”). These Canadians worried that too many decisions about the Canadian branches were made by the States. Lastly, there was a group of Canadians who felt that the government should allow American branch plants, but they should limit the amount of American investment in Canada.

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Branch plants, relating to the “roar” of the ‘20’s, was a good thing because it provided employment for returning war soldiers. Therefore, I believe that branch plants contributed to the “roar” of the 1920’s.

This is a picture of Nellie McClung (a member of the famous...

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 00:49:00 -0400

This is a picture of Nellie McClung (a member of the famous five).

Nellie McClung was born in Chatsworth Ontario in 1873.

She was a teacher, a great public speaker, and she desired to be a writer. In her own words: “[I wanted] to do for the people around me what Dickens had done for his people. I wanted to be a voice for the coiveless as he had been a defender of the weak.” She wanted to ensure that everyone was treated equally…including women. Nellie was an influential activist for labor issues, workers’ rights, women’s suffrage, and women’s property rights.

In 1921, she fought for women’s rights and prohibition. In 1928, when the Supreme Court of Canada decided women were not “persons”, Nellie and four other women — known as the famous five —fought for women everywhere. This later became known as the Person’s Case. They fought their way to the Privy Council in Britain. Finally, in 1929, the Privy Council declared women as persons.

Apart from all the issues she fought for, she was also active in organizations including the Winnipeg Political Equality League, the Canadian Women’s Press Club, and various other suffrage and temperence organizations in Alberta.

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Nellie truly was a activist, and she fought hard for what she believed in. She contributed to the “roar” of the 1920’s by granting women their rights and allowing them to have fun and be happy.

Canada in the 1920's

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 00:16:00 -0400

Canada’s economy was considered well-off in the 1920’s. However, the government paid little attention to the economy’s boom, as they were more concerned about paying off the debts from World War I.

Interestingly, another political party formed during the 1920’s — the Progressive Party. This party was formed by farmers that felt threatened by the lower wheat prices.

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Canada was relatively well-off during the 1920’s, therefore I believe these political matters contributed to the “roar” because the good economy allowed people to party and have fun, which is what the roar is referring to.

This is a picture of the Balfour Report. As according to...

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 00:05:51 -0400

This is a picture of the Balfour Report.

As according to Canada’s wishes, Canada gained independence from Britain. The report Britain and Canada — and several other countries were “autonomous Communities within the British Empire, equal in status, in no way subordinate one to another in any aspect of their domestic or external affairs, though united by a common allegiance to the Crown, and freely associated as members of the British Commonwealth of Nations.” This report allowed Canada to make laws on its own, without Britain’s interference.

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The 1920’s “roared” for Canada as the nation was more or less independent of Britain.

Art in the 1920's

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 23:27:00 -0400

Surrealism and art deco were two art movements that started in the 1920’s.

The Surrealism movement began right after World War I. Surrealists commenced many techniques such as automatic drawing — developed by André Masson, automatic painting, decalcomania, grattage, frottage, parsemage, and fumage. These techniques became significant parts of the Surrealist practice.

(Above) This was a surrealism piece of art titled Plastron et fourchette produced by Jean Arp in 1922.

Art Deco was a major style that began in Europe in the early 1920’s, but didn’t catch on in the United States until around 1928. It is a decorative arts that also affected architecture. This style of art is characterized by its bold use of zigzag and stepped forms, sweeping curves, chevron patterns, and sunburst motif on various materials including aluminium, stainless steel, lacquer, inlaid wood, sharkskin, and zebraskin. This design was a conscious split from the past — before the war — and it was created to commemorate the new technologies (ie. electricity, gas powered vehicles)

(Above) This is a set of art deco-style bookmarks created by artist Junichi Nakahara.

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The 1920’s “roared” with the introduction of different art styles. Art diverted from the classical “it must look real and perfect” style to the new and — in some cases — more abstract modernized art.

This is a picture of Frederick G. Banting; in the words of the...

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 22:59:58 -0400

This is a picture of Frederick G. Banting; in the words of the Library and Archives Canada, “one of the twentieth century’s most celebrated medical heroes”.

In the first world war, Dr. Banting served as a medical officer. He was awarded the Military Cross for continuing to treat war patients while he was wounded by a German shell.

After the war, he began to practise medicine and surgery in London, Ontario after finishing his training as an orthopedic surgeon. However, Banting was struggling — he had few patients, serious financial problems, and his girlfriend was threatening to leave him. To try and earn some more money, he got a $2/hour part-time job at the University of Western Ontario’s medical school. He even tried to paint in hopes of selling some to pay off his bills — but no one was interested.

One sleepless night on October 31, 1920, an idea suddenly occurred to this struggling doctor — if he could isolate the internal secretion of the pancreas, it could possibly treat diabetes! Dr. Banting travelled to Toronto to converse with J.J.R. Macleod - professor of physiology — about his idea, but Macleod wasn’t impressed. However, in May of the next year, Dr. Banting was given permission to proceed with his project. Dr. Banting and Macleod — and Macleod’s student research assistant Charles Best — started their work on May 17, 1921.

After hours of sweat and work, the insulin proved to be an efficacious and life-saving therapy for diabetes patients. Dr. Banting was now named Canada’s first Professor of Medical Research, and he became the most famous man in Canada by 1923.

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I would say that Dr. Banting contributed to the “roar” of the 1920’s because of his discovery. He helped diabetic people everywhere, and this brought much happiness and fun to their lives — which is what the roar is all about.

Advertising in the 1920's

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 22:31:31 -0400

Advertising took a completely different turn in the 1920’s. A good example of this is through Coca-Cola’s advertisements.

When Coca-Cola was first introduced in the 1880’s, it was marketed as a medicine. Advertisements claimed it cured headaches, “revived and sustained” a person, and the Coca plant was a valuable Brain Tonic that could cure many things.

By the 1920’s, Coca-Cola was no longer advertised as a medicinal drink, but instead as a refreshing “fun food”. Instead of advertising using words, they relied heavily on bright and consumer attracting colors with little words. The advertisement (shown below) shows the drastic change in advertising.

The bright colors used in the advertisement tells the consumer that Coca-Cola is fun and enjoyable. The colors also attract consumers and the logo makes the product easier for the consumer to remember.

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The 1920’s “roared” even in terms of advertisement. The advertisements were fun, happy, and bright — just like the 1920’s!

This is a picture of a family cuddling next to their radio. This...

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 22:10:39 -0400

This is a picture of a family cuddling next to their radio. This picture shows the major role the radio played in the 1920’s.

The radio, in the 1920’s, was a modern — at the time — centrepiece for family gatherings. It brought everyone together to listen to various stations such as the news, storytelling sessions, and sometimes music.

Radios were so popular that manufacturers were overwhelmed by the demand. Customers would even stand in line to complete order forms for radios after dealers had sold out. 60% of American families purchased radios from 1923-1930. Radio station numbers grew just as rapidly as the radio’s fame. By 1922, over 600 radio stations had been set up around the United States. The radio was truly the post-war bandwagon.

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The 1920’s certainly “roared” with the popularity and usage of the radio. The radio was used not only as a means of bring the family together, but it also provided entertainment and leisure time for everyone.

This is a poster supporting women’s suffrage. According to...

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 19:44:00 -0400

This is a poster supporting women’s suffrage.

According to the laws of 1867 (in terms of women’s rights), no women were allowed to have the right to vote, and therefore they were excluded from voting. However, Nellie McClung (one of the famous five) demanded women’s suffrage. Sadly, the conservative party declined the proposal.

Fortunately, in 1915, women were given the right to vote in Manitoba (provincially). A year later, women were given the right to vote in Saskatchewan and Alberta provincial elections. In 1918, the Canada Elections Acts gave all women over the age of 21 the federal vote. Finally, in 1925, women gain the right to vote in Newfoundland elections.

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By the 1920’s, women have the right to vote and they gain the independence they were aiming for. The 1920’s “roared”, especially for women.

This is a picture that symbolizes the post-war labour unrest...

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 18:48:25 -0400

This is a picture that symbolizes the post-war labour unrest that occurred. It shows a small group of men walking past a sign that says “Jobless men keep going, We can’t take care of our own” which means that the city the men are walking past can’t even take care of their own unemployed men.

The post-war labour unrest started due to returning war soldiers and the closing of factories. Many factories were closed down because war materials were no longer needed and men were searching for available jobs because women and children have taken their jobs. Also, there was no employment insurance, so the people out of jobs were low on money.

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Although this situation didn’t happen to the majority of the people in the 1920’s, this dilema certainly didn’t contribute to the “roaring” of the 1920’s.

This is a picture taken at the Winnipeg General Strike. The...

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 18:17:24 -0400

This is a picture taken at the Winnipeg General Strike.

The Winnipeg General Strike was a result of the post-war labor unrest. One of the main reasons of the strike was that factory owners refused to negotiate with metal worker unions.

The strike took place in Winnipeg, Manitoba in the month of May in 1919. The strike lasted from May 2 to June 26, 1919.

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I believe that the Winnipeg General Strike didn’t contribute to whether the 1920’s roared or not because it didn’t even happen in the 1920’s. However, if I had to take this event into factor, I’d say this is definitely not something that contributed to the roar of the 1920’s.

This is a gif of the Charleston dance. The Charleston dance...

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 17:31:00 -0400

This is a gif of the Charleston dance.

The Charleston dance became popular after its debut in the Broadway musical, Runnin’ Wild in 1923. The dance became extremely popular in the 1920’s — especially with flappers.

The music for this dance is a ragtime jazz in a quick 4/4 time with lots of syncopated rhythms.

The dance (as you can see from the gif) involves swaying one’s arms and fast movements of the feet. The Charleston dance can be done in a group, in partners, or by yourself.

If you’re interested in learning the Charleston dance: http://dance.lovetoknow.com/Charleston_Dance_Steps

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The 1920’s really “roared” with the Charleston dance as it was a fun, happy-go dance that could be danced at bars and parties.

This is a picture of one of the early sketches of Winnie the...

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 16:44:00 -0400

This is a picture of one of the early sketches of Winnie the Pooh.

Cartoons blossomed in the 1920’s. Cartoons were played before movies started, and sometimes there were cartoon movies!

Big cartoon characters at the time included Mickey Mouse, Winnie the Pooh (pictured above), Betty Boop, Felix the Cat, and Popeye.

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The 1920’s “roared” with the popularity of cartoons and the big boom in the entertainment industry.

This is a picture of the iconic Canadian actress, Mary...

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 16:11:26 -0400

This is a picture of the iconic Canadian actress, Mary Pickford.

Mary Pickford was, ironically, known as America’s sweetheart, although she was Canadian. She was born on April 8, 1892 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Her parents were both actors and she soon followed in their footsteps.

In 1920, she was in two films — Suds and Pollyanna. However, more important than her movie career in that year, she helped establish the United Artists Pictures. The United Artists Pictures was a studio responsible for many great films for the next 60+ years before it was bought by MGM. along with D.W Griffith, Charlie Chaplin and Douglas Fairbanks

In the 1920’s, Pickford starred in Suds (1920), Pollyanna (1920), Rosita (1923), Sparrows and My Best Girl (1926 and 1927), and Coquette (1929).

Unfortunately, Mary wasn’t able to adapt to Talkies, and she officially retired in 1933.

Mary was not merely an actress — she was also a businesswoman and she took pride in the fact that she knew what worked for her and what didn’t. To add to her never-ending list, she was also one of the 36 founds of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

Mary Pickford was the most popular star in the silent era — possibly even of all time.

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Mary Pickford contributed to the “roar” of the 1920’s because of her popularity, fame, and involvement in the entertainment industry.

This is a clip from the first musical, “The Jazz...

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 15:41:00 -0400

This is a clip from the first musical, “The Jazz Singer”.

This movie incorporated both voice and sound; and silent portions to create a surprising product for the watchers. Back in the 1920’s, audiences were only used to watching silent films — occasionally with background music. However, they get a big surprise when they go to see this movie, because it starts off like a silent movie with onscreen words, but awes audiences when the onscreen voices match the actor and actresses’ mouths.

This movie created a new world of filmmaking where you could incorporate voices and sounds according to what’s happening on stage.

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The 1920’s “roared” because of the booming entertainment industry and this musical.

This is a collection of pictures of the famous five: Emily...

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 13:52:00 -0400

This is a collection of pictures of the famous five: Emily Murphy, Nellie McClung, Irene Parlby, Louise McKinney, and Henrietta Edwards. The topmost picture is a summary of what basically happened during the Person’s Case.

The Person’s Case is the success of the famous five (picture above), who in 1929 persuaded the Privy Council of London to declare women as people. Thanks to these famous women, women were given rights to exercise official functions, to attend university, and to practice a liberal trade.

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The 1920’s “roared” with the success of the Person’s Case. In the words of thekfactr: “It was a proud moment in the history of Canada and feminism everywhere.

This is a picture of an early washing machine. One of the...

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 12:11:11 -0400

This is a picture of an early washing machine.

One of the numerous laborsaving devices invented in the 1920’s is the washing machine. Manufacturers included Western Electric, General Electric, and May tag. They were usually made of enameled sheet metal and were driven by a horsepower motor.

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The 1920’s “roared” with new inventions such as the washing machine.

This is a picture of some of the new household appliances that...

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 11:53:00 -0400

This is a picture of some of the new household appliances that came out in the 1920’s.

The 1920’s saw the world’s first mass-produced home appliances. Home appliances were invented to save labor for the women at home. New home appliances included washing machines, toasters, vacuum cleaners, refrigerators, electric stoves and hotplates.

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The 1920’s “roared” with new household appliances.