One of the more popular modules in my presentations is a multimedia review of how advertisers have talked to women over the decades. Not just talked to them, but actually influenced their role in society at any given point in time.

The module (complete with rockin’ music) is 4 1/2 minutes long, so I gave myself the challenge to create a Twitter-sized slide show for you to view – 20 slides or less.

Take a look at how American society has paralleled advertising – starting at the turn of the 20th century – to present day. Note the changes right after World War II, when advertising made a huge shift from Rosie the Riveter to Hannah the Housewife, and again in the mid-1960s.

Gives a whole new insight to Mad Men, doesn’t it?

You can go to Flickr and view the ads in full size, or watch the slide show below – the headlines alone are fascinating.