Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE) Social Science Practice Test

What was a significant social development in the 1920s America?

1. The rise of jazz and flapper culture

2. The expansion of the labor union movement

3. The end of Prohibition

4. The establishment of public schools

The correct answer is: The rise of jazz and flapper culture

The rise of jazz and flapper culture in the 1920s was a significant social development in America, marking a period known as the Roaring Twenties. This era was characterized by profound changes in social norms, fashion, music, and cultural expressions. Jazz music, which originated from African American communities, became extremely popular during this decade and played a crucial role in bringing diverse racial and cultural influences together. It symbolized a break from traditional values and the embrace of a more modern, liberated lifestyle. Flapper culture exemplified the changing roles of women during this time. Young women, known as flappers, challenged the conventional norms of femininity by adopting bold fashions, bobbing their hair, and engaging in social behaviors considered scandalous by previous standards, such as smoking and dancing in public. This cultural shift represented a significant transformation in how women perceived their roles in society, advocating for greater freedom and independence. The other options, while noteworthy, do not capture the same level of cultural transformation during the 1920s. The expansion of the labor union movement gained traction in later decades, the end of Prohibition occurred in 1933, and while public schools were important, they were already established prior to the 1920s and did