The Spanish Flu and 1920’s: Are we Repeating History?

As many of us reflect on this past year, we may find ourselves asking questions.

For instance, “What just happened?”; “What happens next?”; “Can history inform us of these answers?”

History may be repeating itself. Yet, until we truly understand history, we cannot predict our future. Thus, we turn to the Spanish Flu.

The Spanish Flu, Explained.

The Spanish Flu began in 1918. It infected one third of the world’s population. The sickness affected approximately 500 million people, and took the lives of approximately 50 million people over a two-year period.

The Spanish Flu was later identified as “H1N1”. H1N1 is a pneumonic flu virus. Sub-strains include the Avian and Swine flu strains. Thus, in the case of the Spanish Flu, many believe it originated in either birds (or pigs), and spread to humans. The Spanish Flu (like all pneumonic flu strains) infected the lungs in an overwhelming manner. It was spread via droplets, and through close proximity to others.

Naming Conventions.

The Spanish flu did NOT originate in Spain! In fact, one of the first cases was identified in the United States. This case was reported in March of 1918 at a military base in Kansas. Many historians believe that the spread began when soldiers (from the Kansas base) were deployed to Europe to fight World War I. Other historians believe it originated in the United Kingdom. Other countries with the earliest documented cases include France and (sorry for this), China.

Why was it called “the Spanish flu”?

The Spanish Flu took place during World War I. Government censorship was pervasive. News was not openly reported, nor shared between countries. Television did not yet exist, and radio was imperfect. Newspapers were the primary means of disseminating information (and they were censored).

Spain remained neutral during the war. Thus, willing to disseminate information via newspaper. Subsequently, they shared news about their first cases of the flu. Their sharing resulted in the misnomer of the virus “the Spanish flu”.

So, what came after the Spanish Flu?

The “Roaring Twenties”.

Many look back on the 1920’s as one of the best eras in history. An uprising in cheer and optimism following the morbidity of the Spanish Flu pandemic.

The 1920’s were characterized by the popularization of economic freedom, consumerism, radio, television, movies, cars, jazz music, dancing, glamour, flappers, and fun. In sum, there was an overwhelming sense of abundance.

The 1920’s brought exciting change to society. Along with a perceived increase in wealth.

Yet, what was behind all of the “roar”?

Economic Prosperity.

During the 1920’s, the government favored big businesses. And further, embraced “laissez-fair” capitalism. Such an approach was intended to stimulate the economy, by backing big businesses.

American corporations traded enormous amounts of goods overseas. For the first time, the dollar overtook the British pound.

And, this worked! The economy boomed and many were thrilled.

Mass Consumerism.

Simultaneously, the 1920’s was the first era of mass consumerism. Credit debt was invented. People were overspending. The seed of the American Dream had been planted, and everyone wanted to partake. Thus, people began borrowing money beyond their means.

Productivity and Innovation.

The United States (along with much of the world) adopted assembly line techniques, increasing productivity. Assembly lines resulted in a vast increase in the manufacturing of various products, including improved radios, stylish clothing, and more efficient cars. In fact, automobiles became the norm (for the first time). Simultaneously, the government invested in infrastructure, permitting travel (hence, vacationing :). The television was invented. The first transatlantic flight took place.

Entertainment and Sports.

Hollywood was born during the 1920’s. At that time, land was cheap in California and the state was underpopulated. Los Angeles grew up during this time. Celebrities became visible. Magazines were popularized, proliferating the idealization of celebrities. This, along with the innovations behind the radio, the television, and movie production all resulted in a new entertainment culture. Celebrity idealization was born.

The jazz era also emerged during the 1920’s. The jazz era brought innovations in both music and… dancing.

New York City was one hub of the emerging jazz movement, exemplified by the Harlem Renaissance.

Writing became a highly respected endeavor during this time. Many writers flocked to NYC to follow such pursuits. Brilliant novels were written (think, The Great Gatsby). Creativity was embraced, in a new way.

Baseball was popularized during the 1920’s; games were broadcast via radio. Stadiums were built throughout the country, and baseball became America’s trademark game of the era.

But (there is a but)...

The Klu Klux Klan’s power peaked during this time. As liberation and freedoms surged, the country became increasingly divided.

Racism, fascism, and anti-immigration rose. Patriotism was rampant (catalyzed, in part, by divisions based in the dynamics of World War I). The white man grew in power. The United States experienced an increase in lynchings during this decade. We also passed our first anti-immigration law in 1921. Ironic, as this was closely timed to our first transatlantic flight.

Abroad, Germany had lost the war, leading to their severe economic downturn. Following Germany’s economic depression, Adolf Hitler rose to leadership (thus, fascism was all over the place).

Conclusion.

The Spanish Flu was awful. And bears striking resemblance to our current pandemic (which we are seemingly overcoming).

The 1920’s gave us a mixed bag. Civil liberties and freedom of speech were born (grateful). Alcohol was invented (a bonus). Women’s liberation began (we are still working on it, but I remain pleased).

Yet, racism, and anti-immigration burgeoned. And then, The Great Depression. All of that fun had consequences.

How can we prevent such a predictable cycle? A future characterized by extreme highs and equally extreme lows?

A question for us all to ponder as we re-open, and are all equally excited to party.

Authorship: Sophie Aiyer