The G.I's

G.I's were the U.S troops which passed through Europe on their way to fight. They were friendly, had the American spirit, and spread bright new American influences around the world.


(Source: the-seed-of-europe.tumblr.com) Soldiers helping a girl and her dog.

Cultural icons such as Coca Cola were brought into Europe by these soldiers and dazzled the civilians - these became highly popular and many soldiers would be used as a courier for these precious goods.

(Source: wwii-letterstowilma.blogspot) The G.I's became a symbol and became used to brand products

G.I's were the new male icons and many girls, especially British girls were enchanted by their happy nature and would flirt with the soldiers. Some were successful and would go dancing with the soldiers - in turn the American style dances spread like wildfire and became the source of a leisure craze.


(Source: mix-d/.org) a G.I dancing with a young woman.

Dance and music styles included:

- Swing (a middle class version of the Lindy Hop - though the couplings would still throw each other around, the moves were somewhat simplified).
http://youtu.be/mHANNkKBSNU

-Jazz (Inspired by the Lindy Hop, Charleston and Cakewalk, this was an energetic form of dance which was electrifying to watch as the musicians would often improvise to the rhythm of the dancers.

http://youtu.be/O0CMjFLwcew