The 1920s, often called the “Roaring Twenties,” was an exciting time in history filled with change and fun. This decade was famous for jazz music, flapper fashion, and big social changes. After World War I, people were ready to celebrate and enjoy life. New inventions like radios and cars made life more interesting and connected everyone in new ways. The 1920s also brought about important events, like the rise of Hollywood and the start of Prohibition, which banned alcohol. These changes shaped the culture of the time and still influence our world today.
Today, we’ll share some amazing trivia about the 1920s that will surprise and entertain you. From the best-selling books and famous figures to popular dance crazes and iconic fashion trends, there’s so much to learn about this vibrant era. Whether you’re a history buff or just curious about what life was like almost a century ago, these fun facts will give you a peek into a time filled with excitement and creativity. So, get ready to impress your friends with your new knowledge about the Roaring Twenties!
1920’S Trivia
Famous Faces of the Roaring Twenties
1. Who was the famous American poet known for his work during the Harlem Renaissance? (Answer: Langston Hughes)
2. Which iconic actress was known as the “It Girl” of the 1920s? (Answer: Clara Bow)
3. Who was the gangster famously associated with Chicago during the 1920s? (Answer: Al Capone)
4. Who was the first woman to swim across the English Channel in 1926? (Answer: Gertrude Ederle)
5. Which famous aviator became the first person to fly solo nonstop across the Atlantic Ocean in 1927? (Answer: Charles Lindbergh)
6. Who wrote the classic novel “The Great Gatsby,” highlighting the Jazz Age? (Answer: F. Scott Fitzgerald)
7. Which famous dancer became known for her Charleston during the Roaring Twenties? (Answer: Josephine Baker)
8. Who was the controversial politician and politician who contributed to the Prohibition enforcement? (Answer: Wayne Wheeler)
9. Which artist’s works introduced surrealism to the American public in the 1920s? (Answer: Salvador Dalí)
10. Who was the legendary jazz musician known as “Satchmo”? (Answer: Louis Armstrong)
Jazz and Dance: The Sounds of the 1920s
1. What popular music genre emerged and thrived during the 1920s? (Answer: Jazz)
2. Which dance became a symbol of the era, characterized by fast-paced movements? (Answer: The Charleston)
3. What instrument became synonymous with jazz music during this decade? (Answer: Trumpet)
4. Who was known as the “Father of Jazz”? (Answer: Jelly Roll Morton)
5. In what U.S. city was the Cotton Club, a famous jazz venue, located? (Answer: New York City)
6. Which famous jazz ensemble was known for its unique sound led by Duke Ellington? (Answer: The Duke Ellington Orchestra)
7. What was the name of the dance craze that involved acrobatic moves and became popular in the 1920s? (Answer: The Lindy Hop)
8. Which popular radio program featured jazz bands and introduced many to the genre? (Answer: The Grand Ole Opry)
9. Who was the famous female jazz singer known for her singing and voice? (Answer: Bessie Smith)
10. What year did the famed Cotton Club open its doors? (Answer: 1923)
Fashion Fever: Styles of the 1920s
1. What type of dress became widely popular among women during the 1920s? (Answer: Flapper dresses)
2. Which accessory was commonly worn by men during this decade, especially with suits? (Answer: Fedoras)
3. What hairstyle was popularized by flappers in the 1920s? (Answer: Bobbed hair)
4. Who was the famous designer known for her modernist fashion that shaped women’s styles in the 1920s? (Answer: Coco Chanel)
5. What was the name of the decorative headband often adorned with feathers or jewels worn by women? (Answer: Headband)
6. Which type of shoe became a fashion staple for women during this period? (Answer: Mary Janes)
7. What type of makeup became trendy during the 1920s for women? (Answer: Bold lipstick)
8. What was the common length of dresses worn by flappers? (Answer: Knee-length)
9. Which type of suit featuring a long, narrow cut became popular for men’s fashion? (Answer: The sack suit)
10. What symbolized femininity and rebellion among women in their fashion statements? (Answer: Shorter hemlines)
Prohibition and the Dry Times of the 1920s
1. What was the main goal of Prohibition in the 1920s? (Answer: To eliminate alcohol consumption)
2. What amendment to the U.S. Constitution established Prohibition? (Answer: 18th Amendment)
3. What year did Prohibition officially begin in the United States? (Answer: 1920)
4. What was a secret bar that served illegal drinks during Prohibition called? (Answer: Speakeasy)
5. Which organization ended Prohibition in 1933? (Answer: The 21st Amendment)
6. Who was a famous gangster that made his fortune during Prohibition? (Answer: Al Capone)
7. What illegal operation involved smuggling liquor into the United States during Prohibition? (Answer: Bootlegging)
8. Which act aimed to enforce Prohibition laws more strictly in 1927? (Answer: The Volstead Act)
9. What is the popular name for the period of illegal drinking establishments? (Answer: The Jazz Age)
10. What significant impact did Prohibition have on crime rates in America? (Answer: Increased organized crime)
Literary Lights: Books and Writers of the 1920s
1. Which novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald depicted the American Dream? (Answer: The Great Gatsby)
2. Who wrote “A Farewell to Arms,” capturing the disillusionment of war? (Answer: Ernest Hemingway)
3. What was the title of the groundbreaking novel by Virginia Woolf in the 1920s? (Answer: Mrs. Dalloway)
4. Which poet is known for their work “The Waste Land,” reflecting post-war disillusionment? (Answer: T.S. Eliot)
5. What literary movement, featuring themes of African American culture, thrived in the 1920s? (Answer: Harlem Renaissance)
6. Who published the novel “Their Eyes Were Watching God” in the 1920s? (Answer: Zora Neale Hurston)
7. Which playwright brought the concept of realism to the American stage during this era? (Answer: Eugene O’Neill)
8. Who wrote “The Sun Also Rises,” capturing the ethos of the Lost Generation? (Answer: Ernest Hemingway)
9. Which author is known for their exploration of modernist literature through fragmented narrative? (Answer: Gertrude Stein)
10. Who wrote “The Age of Innocence,” dissecting the upper-class society of New York? (Answer: Edith Wharton)
Innovations and Inventions of the 1920s
1. What was the name of the groundbreaking entertainment device that became popular in homes during the 1920s? (Answer: The radio)
2. Which significant automotive advancement was introduced by Henry Ford in 1927? (Answer: The Model T)
3. Which innovative form of transportation made its first successful flight in 1927? (Answer: The commercial airplane)
4. What revolutionary electrical device became widely used in households, dramatically changing cooking? (Answer: The refrigerator)
5. Who invented the first practical television in the late 1920s? (Answer: Philo Farnsworth)
6. What was the name of the new art movement emphasizing avant-garde techniques and styles? (Answer: Surrealism)
7. Which medication, discovered in the 1920s, became a staple in treating infections? (Answer: Penicillin)
8. What popular form of transportation paved the way for the road systems we see today? (Answer: The bicycle)
9. Which breakthrough in computing devices was initiated in the 1920s? (Answer: The first analog computer)
10. What major league team broke the “color line” and signed the first African American player in 1947, thanks to the changing attitudes of the 1920s? (Answer: The Brooklyn Dodgers)
Final Thoughts
The 1920s were a transformative decade, marked by dynamic cultural shifts, social movements, and innovative breakthroughs across various fields. From the rise of influential figures who shaped literature, music, and fashion to the implementation of Prohibition that ignited a new era of organized crime, the Roaring Twenties left an indelible mark on history. These trivia questions allow us to reflect on the exciting developments that defined this era, inspiring future generations while reminding us of the past.
If you found this exploration of 1920s trivia fun, you might enjoy diving deeper into related topics like decades trivia or discovering more about the 1920s trivia itself. There’s so much more to learn about the fascinating growth and change that shaped our modern world.