Topic 7.8: 1920's: Cultural & Political Contreversies

modernism

A movement among Protestants that embraced new interpretations of faith, including acceptance of Darwin's theory of evolution.

fundamentalism

A religious movement that insisted on a literal interpretation of the Bible, condemning modernist views.

Scopes trial

A 1925 court case in Tennessee that challenged the law prohibiting the teaching of evolution in public schools.

Volstead Act (1919)

Legislation that enforced the prohibition of alcohol in the United States.

quota laws

Legislation that limited immigration by setting quotas based on nationality, particularly targeting southern and eastern Europeans.

Sacco and Vanzetti

Italian immigrants and anarchists accused of robbery and murder, whose trial highlighted racial and nativist prejudices.

Ku Klux Klan in the 1920’s

A white supremacist group that gained strength and membership in the 1920s, targeting not only African Americans but also Catholics and Jews.

Harlem Renaissance

A cultural movement during the 1920s centered in Harlem, showcasing African American cultural, artistic, and intellectual achievements.

Jazz Age

The era in the 1920s characterized by the popularity of jazz music and its cultural significance in America.

Gertrude Stein

An American writer who coined the term 'lost generation' to describe disillusioned post-World War I writers.

Frederick Lewis Allen

A historian who characterized the 1920s as a period of materialism and conservative reaction against the progressive reforms.

Aimee Semple McPherson

A prominent revivalist preacher known for using radio to spread fundamentalist messages.

Prohibition

The nationwide constitutional ban on the production, importation, transportation, and sale of alcoholic beverages.

Clarence Darrow

The defense attorney in the Scopes trial, known for his defense of modernist views on evolution.

21st Amendment

The constitutional amendment ratified in 1933 that repealed Prohibition and the 18th Amendment.

Eugene O’Neill

A prominent American playwright of the 1920s known for exploring themes of disillusionment and family dynamics. His notable works include 'Long Day's Journey into Night' and 'The Iceman Cometh.' O'Neill was the first American playwright to win the Nobel Prize in Literature, highlighting his significant influence on American theater.

Marcus Garvey

A Jamaican immigrant and political leader who founded the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA) in 1914. He advocated for Black nationalism and self-reliance, and is known for the 'Back to Africa' movement, emphasizing empowerment for people of African descent. Garvey's ideas significantly influenced civil rights movements and discussions of Black identity and pride.

Duke Ellington

Duke Ellington (1899-1974) was a revolutionary jazz composer, pianist, and bandleader whose innovative orchestration and distinctive style integrated swing, blues, and classical music. He significantly shaped jazz's prominence starting in the 1920s, performing at renowned venues like the Cotton Club and composing thousands of pieces, including 'Mood Indigo.' Ellington is recognized as one of America's greatest composers, influencing future generations.

Al Capone

A notorious American gangster (1899-1947) who led the Chicago Outfit during Prohibition, dominating illegal activities like bootlegging and gambling. Known for ruthless tactics, he was convicted of tax evasion in 1931, significantly impacting perceptions of organized crime.

Charles Evans Hughes

An American statesman and lawyer, Hughes served as Secretary of State from 1921 to 1923, advocating for disarmament and international diplomacy while leading efforts to limit naval construction at the Washington Naval Conference.

Herbert Hoover

Herbert Hoover (1874-1964), the 31st U.S. President (1929-1933) and former mining engineer, is known for his humanitarian efforts during WWI. His presidency was marked by the Great Depression, where his optimistic policies struggled to stabilize the economy, leading to criticism and his loss in the 1932 election.