Life in European Cities

Please respond to each of the following posts, #1 & #2 (at least 100 words for each response). Each response should be substantive and add something to the discussion, rather than simply restating or agreeing or disagreeing with something the original writer has written.

Post #1:

Life in European cities during the 1920s was a lot of things. Cities like Berlin and Paris have taken on a massive cultural shift as entertainment (music, art, nightlife), architecture, and art have all moved towards the modernist lifestyle in just a few short years. During this time period, a more modern approach to science, math, and philosophy can also be seen. 

Living in a city like Berlin during the early 1920s would probably be best described as vibrant contrast. Nightlife is alive with the rise of brothels and cabarets in the city, and an increased tolerance for LGBT lifestyles during this time only contributed to the nightlife more. During the daytime, Berlin is just as chaotic. In an excerpt from the Higher Administrative Court of Berlin in 1922, it was stated that the background noise of the city is best described as “Stomping machine noises, several pieces of music overlapping, honking and whistling, noise, laughter, a scream from the congregated masses.” Cities like Berlin and Paris were stormed by tourists looking for days and nights filled with adventure and thrill at a place where morals are different from the tourists' place of origin.

Socioeconomic status played a big role in the urban lifestyle of the inhabitants of these cities. Disabled veterans of WWI could be found on the street begging, prostitution is rampant, and drug use is rampant, all while low-income housing projects increase across Europe. On the opposite side of the spectrum, the better-off population is indulging in things like art, music halls, and cinema. There is a dramatic difference between the lives lived of the rich and those of the poor in 1920s Europe, and the modernist culture contributed to it. 

Post #2:

Life in European cities during the 1920s was interesting. With the growing cities and the introduction to new leisure time, many people were excited but some had mixed feelings. The idea of mass culture was brought from America, it created entertainment for everyone instead of it being a luxury to those who could afford. Urban “technologies produced a rush of excitement about modernity,” movies and radio became more accessible and more popular (Smith, 2021, pg. 53). Many people thought that it was amazing for shedding light on democracy and giving people a chance to experience culture without any information being kept away. However some did not like the idea of mass culture, saying it was for the uneducated and it was a waste. They also did not like the fact it came from America, because it was not seen as true European culture when it is taken from another country. This I can understand, but I believe that it brought new opportunities for art, literature, and entertainment. It gave so many Europeans a chance to explore creativity and create beautiful works of art in all forms. It created a getaway for the working class and everyone in between. Before, entertainment was meant for rich and royal people, but finally Europe discovered a new way of leisure and created a garden for new ideas to flourish. The film Metropolis is an excellent example of creativity and art in Europe. A “silent” black and white film created a wonderful experience, showing emotions and bringing joy. New literature and art were being created, giving artists the ability to create new scenes and perspectives to those interested. On top of that, “cafes, parks, and urban street life offered a richer recreational life,” giving Europeans even more places to find entertainment and enjoy life (Smith, 2021, pg. 53). 

Smith, Bonnie. Europe in the Contemporary World, 1900 to the Present. 2021