The 1920s was a decade of dazzling transformation in Britain, marked by social change, artistic innovation, and a newfound sense of freedom.
From the rise of jazz and the Charleston craze to groundbreaking political milestones, this era captured the spirit of modernity and extravagance.
Inspired by the opulence of The Great Gatsby, we take a journey through ten defining moments that shaped British culture in the Roaring Twenties.
In no particular order...
The Flapper Trend Took Over British Fashion
The UK embraced the flapper movement, with young women ditching corsets in favor of shorter skirts, bobbed hair, and looser dresses inspired by French designers like Coco Chanel. British department stores such as Selfridges and Harrods played a key role in making these styles mainstream. Women also wore makeup more openly, a trend that was once frowned upon in British society. (Source: Victoria and Albert Museum – Fashion History)
Zippers Became Popular in the 1920s
The zipper, invented in the late 19th century, wasn’t widely used until the 1920s. Originally called the "hookless fastener," it was named "zipper" for the first time by the B.F. Goodrich Company when they used it on rubber boots in the 1920s. It wasn’t until the 1930s that it became a common feature in clothing. (Source: Smithsonian Magazine)
BBC Radio Changed British Culture (1922)
The British Broadcasting Company (BBC) was founded in 1922, and by 1927, it became the British Broadcasting Corporation, a public service broadcaster. Unlike the U.S., which had commercial radio, the BBC focused on education, news, and entertainment without advertisements. Popular early programs included radio plays, classical music, and live sports broadcasts, which helped unite the nation through a shared listening experience. (Source: BBC History Archives)
‘The Flapper Election’: First UK General Election with Full Female Suffrage (1929)
While some women in the UK gained the right to vote in 1918, it wasn’t until the Representation of the People (Equal Franchise) Act of 1928 that all women over 21 could vote—on equal terms with men. The 1929 General Election was the first where women had full voting rights, significantly shaping British politics. It was nicknamed the Flapper Election. (Source: UK Parliament Archives)
The First Red Telephone Box Appeared (1924)
The UK’s iconic red telephone boxes were introduced in 1926, designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott. The famous K2 model became a British staple, and by the late 1920s, they were popping up in cities across the country. (Source: Historic England)
Slang from the 1920s Still Exists Today
Many popular slang words from the 1920s are still used today. Some examples include:
“The Cat’s Meow” – Something amazing or stylish.
“Giggle Water” – Alcoholic drinks.
“Bee’s Knees” – Another way to say “the best.”
(Source: Dictionary of American Slang)
7. The Birth of the British Film Industry
The 1920s marked the rise of the British film industry, with studios like Elstree and Ealing opening and producing popular silent films. The first British "talkie", Blackmail (1929), directed by Alfred Hitchcock, was groundbreaking—it was originally filmed as a silent movie, but later adapted to include sound, making it the UK’s first successful talking film. (Source: British Film Institute)
The Great Strike of 1926 Shook Britain
One of the biggest industrial disputes in British history, the General Strike of 1926, saw over 1.7 million workers from industries like coal mining, transport, and printing walk out in protest over poor wages and working conditions. The strike lasted nine days, and though it ultimately failed, it highlighted deep economic struggles and led to later improvements in workers' rights. (Source: National Archives – UK Labour History)
British Football Became a National Obsession
Football was hugely popular in 1920s Britain, with massive crowds filling stadiums. The first FA Cup Final at Wembley Stadium (1923) saw over 200,000 fans squeeze in—far exceeding its capacity! This led to better crowd control at future events. (Source: Football Association History)
Agatha Christie Became the Queen of Crime Fiction
Agatha Christie published her first novel, "The Mysterious Affair at Styles," in 1920, introducing Hercule Poirot to the world. By the end of the decade, her books were international bestsellers, cementing her status as the most famous crime writer in history. (Source: British Library – Agatha Christie Archives)
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