How did jive and jitterbug spread from the United States to Europe during World War II?

The jitterbug and jive originated in the United States, often within Black communities, during the 1930s and 1940s. These dances were characterized by their improvisational nature, syncopated rhythms, and, in the case of the jitterbug, exuberant acrobatic swings and lifts.12

Their spread from the United States to Europe was primarily driven by the large-scale population dislocations and cultural influence associated with World War II. Specifically, U.S. armed forces played a central role in disseminating these dance forms internationally as they traveled during the conflict. Once introduced to Europe, these dances were eagerly adopted by the younger generation, who were drawn to their dynamic and vivacious style. Over time, the original, freewheeling versions of these dances were often modified into more conservative forms suitable for ballroom settings.213