Between 1900 and 1930, thousands upon thousands of European immigrants, African-Americans, and rural Midwestern youths relocated to Chicago in search of steady work and broader social opportunities. Intrigued by their new urban surroundings, they embraced new forms of commercial culture that made social interaction in the multi-ethnic, multi-racial city easier and more enjoyable. Many of the city's department stores, movie theaters, and amusement parks thrived by offering settings in which Chicagoans of all backgrounds could partake in city life as equals. By popularizing not just jazz music, but countless other amusements as well, Jazz Age Chicagoans laid the groundwork for the spread of mass culture across the nation during the twentieth century. This web site examines some of the ways by which this occurred. Read more 
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Leisure Venues
An expanding variety of commercial amusements and leisure venues—department stores, movie theaters, dance halls, cabarets, amusement parks, and the like—addressed the entertainment demands of young Chicagoans. Read more
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Bright-Light Districts
Chicago's "bright-light" retail and entertainment districts bustled with activity as new stores, theaters, restaurants, and cabarets attracted ever larger crowds of shoppers, dancers, diners, and other pleasure-seekers. Read more
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Notable Events
Several noteworthy events of the early twentieth century reflected the growing importance of commercial amusements and leisure activities in the everyday lives of Chicago's increasingly diverse population. Read more |
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Research Links
Looking for more information about the history of Chicago? This section offers links to hundreds of related web sites, an extensive selection of books and videos, and a handy guide to area archives and research libraries. Read more |
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