A Level History - America - Practice Exam 2025 - Free Practice Questions and Study Guide

The defining characteristic of the flapper in the 1920s was the embrace of more liberal lifestyles. This cultural phenomenon signified a significant shift in societal norms regarding women's roles and behaviors during the Jazz Age. Flappers were known for their distinctive fashion, which included shorter dresses, bobbed hair, and a more androgynous style that rejected the restrictive clothing of previous generations.

Beyond fashion, flappers symbolized a broader cultural movement that championed personal freedom and self-expression. They partook in activities that were previously considered inappropriate for women, such as smoking, drinking alcohol, dancing in public, and socializing in ways that emphasized independence and sexual liberation. This was a radical departure from traditional norms and reflected the impact of women's suffrage and the changing societal landscape following World War I, which had led to new perceptions of femininity and autonomy. Thus, the liberal lifestyles associated with flappers were emblematic of the evolving identity of women in the 1920s.