The Great Gatsby:

Historical Context
The Great Gatsby is set in the 1920s, an era known as the Roaring Twenties or
the Jazz Age. This period was characterized by Prohibition, social changes, and
the pursuit of the American Dream.

by Ismalbert Alvarado
The Roaring Twenties
Flappers and Fashion
The 1920s saw the rise of the
flapper culture, characterized
by bold fashion choices,
shorter hemlines, and
hairstyles.
Technological Cultural Explosion
Advancements
The Roaring Twenties was a
The decade witnessed time of cultural explosion,
significant advancements in with jazz music, dancing, and
technology, including the art flourishing in major cities.
widespread use of radios and
the introduction of
automobiles.
Prohibition
1 18th Amendment
In 1920, the 18th Amendment was passed,
banning the production, sale, and
Speakeasies and Bootleggers 2 transportation of alcoholic beverages.
Prohibition gave rise to illegal drinking
establishments known as speakeasies, and
bootleggers smuggled alcohol into the
country. 3 Corruption and Organized Crime

The ban on alcohol led to a rise in

organized crime, as criminal organizations
profited from the illegal alcohol trade.
The Jazz Age

Jazz Music Flappers Art Deco Style

Jazz music, with its lively rhythms Flappers, young women who The Art Deco style, characterized
and improvisation, became the challenged traditional gender by geometric shapes and luxurious
defining sound of the 1920s. norms, became icons of the Jazz materials, influenced architecture
Age. and design.
The American Dream
1 Wealth and Success 2 Social Mobility 3 Illusion vs. Reality
The American Dream Many believed in the The Great Gatsby explores
symbolized the pursuit of possibility of social the disillusionment and
wealth and success, often mobility, the idea that corruption behind the
exemplified by the wealthy anyone could achieve American Dream.
elite. financial success
regardless of their
background.
Social Changes and Inequalities
Women's Rights Racial Tensions Class Divide
The 1920s saw progress for The era was marked by racial The gap between the rich and the
women's rights, with the tensions, with the rise of the Ku poor widened, leading to social
ratification of the 19th Klux Klan and racial inequality and economic disparities.
Amendment granting women the prevalent in society.
right to vote.
The Decline of the Aristocracy
1 Post-WWI Riches
Following World War I, many aristocratic families experienced a decline in fortune,
while new money emerged.

2 The Vanderbilts and Astors

Renowned families like the Vanderbilts and Astors struggled to maintain their social
positions as their wealth dwindled.

3 Changing Power Dynamics

Old money families saw their influence diminish, as new money individuals gained
prominence and social standing.
The Pursuit of Wealth and Materialism

The 1920s was characterized by excessive The Stock Market Boom

materialism and a focus on wealth, often
The stock market boom of the decade
masking deeper social issues.
fueled the desire for quick fortunes and
speculative investments.

Living in Excess
The characters in The Great Gatsby exemplify the extravagant lifestyle and lavish parties of the
era.