Lecture 6 harlem renaissance and prosperity in the city

This is the last lecture on the "Roaring Twenties". The explored topics are : the Harlem Renaissance, the Jazz age, and the economic prosperity of the 20s.

1. The Roaring 20s HARLEM RENAISSANCE & PROSPERITY

2. Life in Harlem In 1920s, about 200,000 African Americans lived in the city. Most lived in Harlem, the unofficial capital of African American culture and activism. Strong sense of racial pride and identity in this new place Attracted a historic influx of talented African Americans resulting in the Harlem Renaissance.

3. Harlem Renaissance Harlem: the place to be for artists, writers poets and performers Racial pride fueled by idea of new negro Confidence and freedom of expression Whites attracted to speakeasies in Harlem not only by Alcohol but also … JAZZ!

4. The Jazz Age Jazz was inspired at the beginning by minstrel shows “a black imitation of a white caricature of black music “ 1895—New Orleans, Louisiana: Trombonist William Cornish

5. From Minstrelsy Minstrel Show perpetuated negro stereotypes But, helped Blacks enter the field of show. Generations of black entertainers imitated in turn the white stereotypes of African-American behavior till the 20s. 1820s 1927

6. To Jungle Sound Cotton Club gigs featured jungle decor & costumes to accompany the "jungle sound," intended to imply the "exotic" music of Africa. Only in the 1940’s did Duke Ellington seek to present black music as high art

7. f Africa. 1927

8. Controversial jazz Jazz a reputation as immoral Threatening old cultural values and promoting decadent values A Professor of Princeton University wrote: “it is not music at all. It's merely an irritation of the nerves of hearing." Media denigrated jazz: The NYT told a story claiming jazz caused the fatal heart attack of a celebrated conductor

9. Heroes of Jazz Louis Armstrong (1901 – 1974 ) Duke Ellington

10. The Jazz Age Harlem was a vital center for jazz 1929 – 60% of radio air time was playing jazz. 500 jazz clubs including the Cotton Club

11. BACK TO BUSINESS What made the Harlem Renaissance possible? How did economic prosperity contribute to the cultural boom? Clue: Times is gettin ' harder, Money’s gettin ' scarce. Soon as I gather my cotton and corn, I’m bound to leave this place .

12. URBANIZATION For first time the census reflected an urban society. People had moved into cities to enjoy a higher standard of living

13. Agricultural Transformation Agricultural depression in early 1920's contributed to urban migration U.S. farmers lost markets in postwar Europe Agricultural efficiency increased so more food produced (more food = lower prices) and fewer labourers needed farming was no longer as prosperous, and bankers called in their loans (farms repossessed )

14. Age of Prosperity After a brief depression, 1920-1921 US came out of WWI as the world’s largest creditor nation. Between 1922 and 1928 industrial productivity rose by70% Wages at an all-time high Electric power in households increased 19-fold between 1912 and 1929. ( from 20% to 70%)

15. Widespread Consumerism Decade of economic prosperity, growing popular culture & widespread consumerism. Women increasingly entered the work force. White collar jobs rose The workweek shortened to forty hours allowing for more leisure time Boom of movie industry & Advent of the radio Huge increase of consumer products created a need for advertising and sales people.

16. Consumer Economy

17. Advertising emerged as a new industry Manufacturers mastered production and needed now mass markets for their goods Used persuasion, allure, and sexual suggestion Sports Became a big business

18. 1920s Consumerism Buying Goods on Credit & Installment Plans Advertising and increase in consumerism led to the rise of credit Instead of paying in cash could put anything on credit or installment

19. The decade of an easy life and enjoyment was heading for a paradox. Credit and installment plans encouraged people to spend money they didn’t have Fueled growth of the consumer economy. Most Americans began to only worry about the present without any concern for the future Decade of Spending