The Roaring 1920s with Historian John Cilio

The 1920s era went by many names; the Jazz Age, the Age of Intolerance, the Age of Wonderful Nonsense, and the Roaring Twenties. Young women’s fashion of the 1920s was both a trend and a social statement. The 18th Amendment took effect on January 17, 1920, prohibiting the manufacture, sale, import/export or transportation of intoxicating liquors. Prohibition was imposed on all states bringing speakeasies into the American vocabulary. The Women’s movement capitalized on its decades long quest to win the vote for women with passage of the 19th Amendment. For many middle-class Americans, the 1920s was a decade of unprecedented prosperity until October 24, 1929, when the value of common stock and shares in the U.S. market dropped by 40%. Join us as we explore the history and stories of America’s roaring 1920s. Join author and historian John Cilio for a look into the history of the the 1920s.

John Cilio is a historian, storyteller, a member of the Organization of American Historians and the Association for the Study of Connecticut History. He thrives on researching the ghosts of our past, uncovering the underlying forces and historical trends that one single event rarely impacts. He believes that often the consequences of a historical incident were hidden from those that experienced it, yet looking back, one can sense the full impact of their moments in time.
John lives in Sherman, CT, and is the author of six historical books and written over 200 articles. He has spoken at over 475 events on a wide range of topics in several countries. His goal is to make history relevant, engaging, and enlightening.