Hobble Skirts to Flapper Flirts: American Fashion and the Great War

In 1914, the first U.S. patent for a “bra” was granted, predicting the demise of the corset; green beer was invented for St. Patrick’s Day in the Bronx; the tango was being danced on every corner in the land; Henry Ford introduced the $5 wage for the new 8-hour day; Mother’s Day was declared official by President Woodrow Wilson; and an obscure duke was assassinated in Europe, setting the stage for the most destructive war in modern history. The following decade witnessed profound changes in American culture that were clearly reflected in the world of fashion. Join author Edward Maeder to explore how this seemingly frivolous world exposed the culture of our citizens and the important role of clothing and aesthetics in their daily lives.