1920s facts for kids

The 1920s was a ten-year period that started on January 1, 1920, and ended on December 31, 1929. This exciting time is often called the Roaring Twenties or the Jazz Age. It was a decade of big changes, new ideas, and lots of fun, especially in places like the United States and Europe. People saw new technologies, different styles of music, and changes in how society worked.

Key Events of the 1920s

The 1920s were full of important moments that shaped the world.

• A Time of Growth: Many countries, especially the United States, experienced a period of economic growth and prosperity. This led to new inventions and a more comfortable life for many people.
• Prohibition Begins (1920): In the United States, a law called Prohibition started. This law made it illegal to make, sell, or transport alcoholic drinks. It was a very controversial law that lasted for many years.
• March on Rome (1922): In Italy, Benito Mussolini and his followers marched on Rome. This event led to Mussolini taking power and becoming the leader of Italy.
• King Tut's Tomb Discovered (1922): The famous archaeologist Howard Carter made an amazing discovery in Egypt. He found the ancient tomb of the young Egyptian King Tutankhamun, which was filled with incredible treasures.
• Irish Independence (1922): Southern Ireland gained its independence from the United Kingdom. This was a major step in the history of Ireland.
• The Great Crash (1929): The decade ended with a major event known as the Black Tuesday. The stock market in the United States crashed, which meant that many people lost a lot of money. This event helped start the Great Depression, a very difficult economic time around the world.

Important People of the Decade

Many famous people lived and worked during the 1920s, making a big impact on history, science, and entertainment.

• Albert Einstein (Physicist): This brilliant German scientist was famous for his theories about how the universe works. He won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1921.
• Charlie Chaplin (Entertainer): A very popular actor and filmmaker, Charlie Chaplin was known for his silent comedy films. His character, "The Tramp," was loved by audiences worldwide.
• Vladimir Lenin (Leader): He was the leader of the Soviet Union (USSR) at the beginning of the decade. He played a key role in the Russian Revolution.
• Joseph Stalin (Leader): After Lenin, Joseph Stalin became the leader of the Soviet Union. He was a very powerful figure in world politics.
• Mustafa Kemal Atatürk (Leader): He was a military officer who became the first President of Turkey. He helped create the modern country of Turkey.
• Pope Pius XI (Religious Leader): He was the head of the Catholic Church during the 1920s.
• Babe Ruth (Baseball Player): One of the most famous baseball players of all time, Babe Ruth played for the New York Yankees. He was known for hitting many home runs.
• Robert H. Goddard (Rocket Pioneer): This American scientist was a pioneer in rocket technology. He launched the first liquid-fueled rocket in 1926.
• Alexander Fleming (Scientist): In 1928, this Scottish scientist made a huge discovery: penicillin. This medicine changed how doctors treated infections and saved countless lives.

Images for kids

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  Crowd gathering after the Wall Street Crash of 1929

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  The most memorable fashion trend of the Roaring Twenties was undoubtedly "the flapper" look.

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  The period from the end of the First World War until the start of the Depression in 1929 is known as the "Jazz Age"

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  Albert Einstein, 1921

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  F. Scott Fitzgerald, 1929

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  Charlie Chaplin during the 1920s

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  Buster Keaton in the 1922 short film The Frozen North

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  Irving Berlin (left) and Al Jolson, c. 1927

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  D. W. Griffith at a rolltop desk, c. 1925

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  Frank Lloyd Wright, 1926

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  Babe Ruth in 1920

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  Robert Goddard and his rocket, 1926

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  1920s phone

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  M1 Thompson rifle (1921 model)

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  In 1928, Alexander Fleming discovers penicillin

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  Howard Carter opens the innermost shrine of King Tutankhamun's tomb near Luxor, Egypt, 1922

See also

In Spanish: Años 1920 para niños