Book SummaryOnly Yesterday, by Frederick Lewis Allen

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of Only Yesterday

During the 1920s, there was a significant transformation in societal and cultural norms.

This segment of Frederick Lewis Allen's narrative explores the profound shift in social behaviors and standards, particularly focusing on the younger generation during the era often referred to as the Jazz Age. The period was characterized by a reassessment of conventional standards, fueled by post-war disillusionment, a rise in consumerism, and widespread adoption of contemporary views on sexuality and psychology.

The younger generation experienced a significant shift in their ethical perspective.

During the 1920s, a surge of progressive thought influenced the younger generation, prompting them to question established conventions and embrace more liberal attitudes towards sexuality, relationships, and personal expression. Their nonconformist attitude was clearly evident in their willingness to engage in and discuss activities once considered taboo, and this was also reflected in the transformation of their attire, dance moves, and modes of expression.

A revolt against conventional values and stringent ethical standards, adopting innovative viewpoints and customs concerning love and partnership.

Allen portrays the significant transformation in moral values that occurred among young people during the era often known as the Roaring Twenties. They challenged the existing social norms, especially the rigid moral codes that dictated stringent rules for the behavior of younger people. He underscores the reduced presence of chaperones, the growth in unsupervised dating, and elaborates on the emergence of social gatherings known as "petting parties," where levels of physical closeness previously deemed inappropriate were explored. The widespread availability of cars further encouraged this liberated approach to relationships, with one judge infamously describing the automobile as a mobile haven for immoral behavior. The change in attitudes toward premarital sex was partly due to the greater independence of young people, which enabled them to act without the supervision of older generations, a change reflected in literary works such as those by F. Scott Fitzgerald, which candidly portrayed the private actions and thoughts of the burgeoning adult demographic.

The growing number of marital splits further influenced shifting attitudes toward relationships and the concept of matrimony. Divorce became more common, particularly in urban areas, as the associated social stigma began to fade. The concept of marriage being the culmination of romantic affection was questioned by a more pragmatic perspective on matrimony, influenced by the simplicity of obtaining a divorce, signifying a departure from conventional moral norms. Allen, however, emphasized that this transformation did not occur seamlessly or without difficulty for all involved. Many individuals agreed with the forward-thinking spirit of the era in theory, yet they faced inner conflict because their conventional upbringings clashed with the era's prevailing liberal values.

The emergence of flappers signified a shift away from the conventional Victorian principles that prioritized propriety and restraint.

The transformation of social norms is illustrated by Allen through the emergence of the "flapper" trend. A fresh generation of young women came to the forefront, marked by their short haircuts, audacious self-expression, and a penchant for donning skirts of a notably reduced length, defying the conventional Victorian expectations of demureness and self-control by using cosmetics. They adopted a more youthful, liberated physical presence, discarding restrictive undergarments and heavy attire. Flappers defied traditional norms by indulging in smoking, drinking, and adopting new dance styles, particularly one that marked a clear break from established conventions.

Allen provides a thorough examination of the evolution in fashion over the course of the ten-year period, highlighting the increasing boldness in the attire selections of women. Despite the fashion industry's continuous attempts, skirt lengths rose to knee level from a starting point of being six inches above the ground. The daring bobbed haircut eventually became symbolic of the flapper identity, signifying a shift away from previous, more restrictive conceptions of femininity.

Doubt in established institutions signified a waning of spiritual conviction.

Allen emphasizes the waning of religious fervor and an increasing inclination toward skepticism, which was particularly prevalent among the young people and intellectuals during the 1920s. The transformation was influenced by a combination of conflict, a decline in traditional convictions, and the growing influence of new scientific ideas.

Prominent scientists such as Freud, Einstein, and Darwin inspired the intellectual elite to start challenging conventional religious beliefs. Allen explains that scientific...

Only Yesterday Summary The conclusion of World War I ushered in substantial changes in the economic and political landscapes.

Allen examines the political and economic landscape following the war, observing the shift away from the wartime aspirations championed by President Woodrow Wilson to a widespread desire for steadiness and a return to conventional ways, which was embodied in the administrations of Harding and Coolidge. He examines the fluctuations in the economy during the 1920s and explores the underlying factors that precipitated the onset of the Great Depression.

The transition away from Wilson's idealistic tenets toward a collective desire to revert to conventional normality.

In this part of the book, Allen examines the country's transition from President Wilson's wartime ideals to the widespread acceptance of the term "normalcy," which became well-known due to its linkage with President Harding. The writer depicts a nation worn out from strife and international duties, yearning for the uncomplicated times that preceded the conflict.

Following the war, there was a deep-seated disillusionment with the idealistic plan for worldwide peace and unity that Wilson had proposed.

Allen underscores a widespread feeling of disillusionment with the concept of an international alliance, a...

Only Yesterday Summary In this era, there was an increased inclination to dismiss unconventional thoughts and a concurrent escalation in dishonest activities.

This segment of Allen's book uncovers the concealed undercurrents of prejudice and deceit that were present beneath the veneer of economic success and the apparently carefree social exchanges during the decade known for its economic boom and cultural vibrancy.

The era referred to as the Red Scare was characterized by a profound dread of communist beliefs, which resulted in the persecution and suppression of those suspected of challenging or disregarding established social conventions.

In this chapter, Allen details the surge of apprehension about communism that swept through the United States after World War I, driven by anxieties about the rise of Bolshevism in Russia and the spread of revolutionary thoughts. The author reveals the baseless apprehension and mistrust aimed at labor movements, newcomers to the country, and individuals thought to hold leftist ideologies.

The government quelled the actions of employees who were pursuing rights to negotiate as a group by implementing arrests, deportations, and engaging in acts of violence.

Officials took steps to suppress leftist and labor movements, actions that were overseen by the individual known as the "Fighting...