Adventurous and Romantic Appeal: Heroism captures people's imagination. The stories of daring heroes from World War I, explorers like Charles Lindbergh, and adventurers like Amelia Earhart appealed to the sense of adventure and romance prevalent during the '20s.
The Rise of Media and Popular Culture: The development of mass media, such as radio, film, and newspapers, played a critical role. Popular culture actively promoted heroic figures, creating heroes out of real-life individuals and fictional characters alike.
Influence of Literature and Art: Literature, films, and art reflected and celebrated heroic figures. The literary works of F. Scott Fitzgerald and others featured complex characters often struggling to embody heroic ideals.
The American Dream and Individualism: The 1920s were marked by a strong belief in the American Dream and individualism. Many people saw heroes as symbols of what individuals could accomplish through their own efforts and talents.
These factors combined to make Americans of the 1920s deeply fascinated with heroes as representatives of courage, sacrifice, adventure, and the very essence of what it meant to be American.