The pivotal event that defined the Roaring Twenties in America was the cultural and social upheaval associated with the 1920s jazz age, characterized by economic prosperity, technological innovation, and a flourishing of the arts. The decade saw the emergence of jazz music, the Harlem Renaissance, and notable changes in social norms, particularly regarding gender roles and youth culture. The 19th Amendment, granting women the right to vote in 1920, marked a significant shift in societal perceptions. This period was also marked by a reckless pursuit of wealth, leading to the 1929 stock market crash and the subsequent Great Depression, altering the course of American history.