10 Surprising Facts About the Roaring 1920s
You’ll Wish You Knew Sooner
The Roaring Twenties weren’t just about jazz, flappers, and fancy parties—they were a full-on cultural rebellion. This decade broke rules, made headlines, and changed how people dressed, danced, drank (illegally), and lived.
Here are 10 quirky, surprising facts about the 1920s that you probably didn’t learn in history class—but definitely should’ve.
1. Flappers Were More Than a Look—They Were a Social Rebellion
Short skirts and bobbed hair weren’t just style statements. Flappers smoked in public, drank during Prohibition, drove cars, and openly challenged gender roles. In a world that wanted women to stay quiet and proper, flappers were loud, bold, and unapologetic.
2. Speakeasies Turned Drinking Into an Underground Art Form
Prohibition didn’t stop drinking—it just made it more creative. Hidden bars known as speakeasies operated behind false storefronts, inside basements, or behind bookcases. Some even required passwords or secret knocks. Breaking the law never looked so chic.
3. Jazz Was Once Considered Dangerous and Immoral
Cities tried banning jazz from public spaces, calling it “devilish” and corrupting. Why? It came from Black culture, encouraged dancing, and didn’t follow the rules. Naturally, young people loved it. Jazz thrived, evolving into a symbol of freedom and rebellion.
4. The First Miss America Pageant Was a Tourism Ploy
Launched in 1921 in Atlantic City, the Miss America contest was originally designed to keep vacationers around after Labor Day. The first winner was crowned after a swimsuit competition on the boardwalk—hardly the polished pageant we know today.
5. People Feared Radios Would Melt Their Brains
When radios became mainstream, some critics warned they would hypnotize listeners or damage their minds. Turns out, they became the social glue of the decade, bringing families together for news, drama, and entertainment—kind of like the original streaming service.
6. Male Heartthrobs Were Called “Sheiks”
Inspired by actor Rudolph Valentino, the “sheik” trend turned men into romantic, smoldering icons. Slicked-back hair, soft scarves, and intense stares were all part of the package. It was the male answer to the flapper craze—just with more cologne.
7. Dance Crazes Had Names Like the “Shimmy” and the “Camel Walk.”
The Charleston ruled, but it wasn’t alone. The ‘20s were packed with wild dance trends, many of which were seen as scandalous. The Shimmy, for instance, involved shaking your shoulders—a big no-no for polite society. Naturally, it became a hit.
8. Makeup Became Mainstream—and Sometimes Radioactive
Before the 1920s, wearing makeup was seen as something only actresses or “loose” women did. That changed fast. Women embraced dark lipstick, heavy eyeliner, and face powders—some of which, terrifyingly, contained radioactive ingredients. Beauty came with a glow (literally).
9. Ouija Boards Were a Social Must-Have
After World War I, spiritualism surged. People held séances and used Ouija boards to contact lost loved ones. What started as a grieving tool became a full-blown trend, especially in upper-class salons. Ghost talk was in.
10. The Decade Ended in a Crash, But the Party Was Real
The stock market crashed in 1929, ending the party hard. But for most of the decade, the vibe was fast, flashy, and full of firsts—women voting, cities booming, and pop culture taking over. It was wild, weird, and way ahead of its time.
Final Word
The 1920s weren’t just roaring—they were rule-breaking, risk-taking, and radically fun. These surprising facts show just how offbeat and ahead-of-their-time people really were. Makes our modern era feel almost tame.