Only Yesterday: An Informal History of the 1920s By: Frederick Lewis Allen © 1931 The book Only Yesterday: An Informal History of the 1920s by Frederick Lewis Allen recounts all the events leading up to the stock market crash in 1929, beginning with the end of World War I in 1918. The story, told chronologically, contrasts the changing social and political views of the American people throughout the “Roaring Twenties,” as the time period came to be known. Allen makes history enjoyable, vividly describing the creases in Al Capon’s shirt and the painted faces of the young generation.By 1919, World War I was over, and the Kaiser of Germany (Hitler) had been successfully overthrown with the help of the United States.
The jubilant New Yorkers stormed the streets, celebrating. During the early 1920s, citizens had much to celebrate, including the soaring stock market prices and increased industry. Wartime attitude became prevalent: an attitude of invincibility. The president at the time, Woodrow Wilson, was seen as too passive, and since the country’s inhabitants were overly-confident, they began to criticize his leadership abilities.At this time, the prohibition movement was at full strength.
The Wartime Prohibition Act became permanent with the 18th amendment, making it illegal to consume or obtain any alcohol. It is a common misconception that this act led to misery; On the contrary, much of the United States population supported the law as a protective measure meant to insure productivity and responsibility for future generations. Migration toward cities began to ensue, populating suburbs. Farming began to “go out of style,” with rumors of the success of stock-brokers and business moguls such Henry Ford.During the 1920s, wages were very high, much to the annoyance of employers (usually wealthy white men). Labor specialization and unique skills led to the emergence of labor unions, consequently resulting in strikes and inflated pay rates.
In the early 1920s, cars were much considered a luxury, even though they were far from a modern day marvel. Often convertible, the cars were not easy to start in the winter, since the heat of the engine would be stalled much before the driver could even attempt to propel the car forward.Although the roaring twenties are usually thought of as a time of universal prosperity, the reality is that unless one was Caucasian and well-to-do, society tended to shun the outliers (women, minorities, etc), propelling them out of political affairs and social scenes. Women rebelled, becoming increasingly promiscuous as the decade wore on. In 1920, it would have been unheard of to show an ankle, sport a bob haircut, or darken one’s eyes with what seemed like paint.
By 1928, the younger generation was revealed as socially progressive, engaging in previously unthinkable behavior such as smoking, drinking in bars, and sex.Flappers became prevalent, with their flouncy skirts and short hair adorned with a jeweled headband. The decade earned its second nickname, “The Jazz Age”, from the incredible musical talents that emerged out of Harlem and other areas of the United States, leading to a less “restrained” entertainment. As the United States began to withdraw from foreign affairs, it became evident that the booming of industry such as General Electric and Ford Motorcars, the soaring stock market prices, and the overall public sentiment surrounding the era would be short lived.
Lying on the outskirts of town was pure poverty, resulting from the surplus of labor and the sudden migration from rural areas to suburbia. Speculation drove the stock prices to unthinkable highs, and as commonly stated what goes up must come down. Thus began the Great Depression, which plagued the 1930s, as a result of the stock market crash of 1929. The carefree attitude of the American public was forced to face the inevitable low after an idealistic high.Only Yesterday: An Informal History of the 1920s by Frederick Lewis Allen serves an important purpose in American literature. Allen very precisely depicts how life was during the 1920s through dramatic imagery and detailed descriptions.
Since the book was released in the early 1930s, one can be assured of the accuracy of Allen’s words. Only Yesterday is currently being used for education purposes, and can replace mind-numbing textbooks. This book is historically significant because it informed future generations of the rise and fall of American society during the roaring twenties.
