1920s U.S. History: Economy, Culture, and Social Changes

Why was the U.S. economy stronger than Europe's after World War I?

Because World War I was fought on foreign soil, leaving the U.S. infrastructure and economy intact.

When did Henry Ford introduce the assembly line?

1913.

How did the assembly line change the United States economy?

It helped make the U.S. the world's leading industrial power and revolutionized mass production of consumer goods.

What was the standard of living like in the United States during the early 1920s?

The U.S. enjoyed the highest standard of living in the world.

Which industry led the economic boom of the 1920s?

The automobile industry.

What industries grew because of the automobile industry?

Steel, shopping, glass, and gas industries.

What technological advances became more common in American homes?

Electric appliances.

What values did businesses emphasize during the Second Industrial Revolution?

Efficiency and profit.

Why were farmers hurt during the 1920s?

The number of exports fell after World War I.

What happened to the railroad industry in the 1920s?

It declined as automobiles became more popular.

Why did labor unions decline during this period?

Yellow-dog contracts prevented workers from joining unions.

Which groups experienced the most poverty during the 1920s?

Minorities and poorly educated whites.

What risky economic behaviors became common in the 1920s?

Buying on credit and speculation.

What replaced the countryside as the center of American life in the 1920s?

The city.

What new structures symbolized American progress?

Skyscrapers.

When did women gain the right to vote?

1920.

Which amendment granted women the right to vote?

The 19th Amendment.

How did some women challenge traditional Victorian behavior?

They cut their hair, wore makeup, danced, and wore shorter skirts.

What were these modern women called?

Flappers.

What change in family life occurred during the 1920s?

More women used birth control and families became smaller.

Why did youth culture grow in the 1920s?

Young people no longer had to work all day on farms.

What were young people often looking for during this era?

Fun and excitement.

What forms of entertainment were extremely popular in the Roaring Twenties?

Sports, music, and movies.

What new themes appeared in music and movies?

More blatant sexual themes.

Who was the famous football hero of the 1920s?

Red Grange.

Who was the famous golfer of the 1920s?

Bobby Jones.

Who was the famous boxer of the 1920s?

Jack Dempsey.

Who was the most famous baseball player of the 1920s?

Babe Ruth.

Who became an aviation hero in 1927?

Charles Lindbergh.

What historic achievement did Charles Lindbergh accomplish?

He completed the first solo flight across the Atlantic Ocean.

Which actress was known as "The It Girl"?

Clara Bow.

Which actor was famous for doing his own stunts?

Buster Keaton.

Which silent film star was known worldwide?

Charlie Chaplin.

Which amendment started Prohibition?

The 18th Amendment.

When was Prohibition ratified?

1919.

What did Prohibition ban?

The production and distribution of alcohol.

What illegal activities increased because of Prohibition?

Bootlegging and organized crime.

What were illegal drinking establishments called?

Speakeasies.

What was the Lost Generation?

Writers who expressed disillusionment with American culture after World War I.

Name two writers of the Lost Generation.

Ernest Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald.

Which writers also belonged to the Lost Generation?

T.S. Eliot and H.L. Mencken.

What was the Harlem Renaissance?

A cultural movement highlighting Black achievements and struggles through literature and art.

Name key writers of the Harlem Renaissance.

Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston, and W.E.B. Du Bois.

What types of music became popular during the Harlem Renaissance?

Jazz and blues.

Why did rural Americans fear urban culture?

They believed it threatened traditional American values.

What values were emphasized by rural Americans?

Protestant and traditional values.

What belief system grew during this period that opposed immigrants and minorities?

Nativism.

What caused the Red Scare of 1919?

Fear of the Russian Revolution and the spread of communism.

How were suspected communists treated during the Red Scare?

They were targeted and harangued.

Why was the Sacco and Vanzetti trial controversial?

There was little evidence, and prejudice against foreigners influenced the verdict.

Who were Sacco and Vanzetti?

Italian-born men convicted of robbery and murder.

When were Sacco and Vanzetti executed?

1927.

What did their case symbolize?

Bigotry and intolerance in the United States.

Why was Prohibition called the "noble experiment"?

It was meant to improve morality by banning alcohol.

Who supported the start of Prohibition?

Religious groups.

Who sold alcohol illegally during Prohibition?

Bootleggers.

How did law enforcement often respond to illegal alcohol sales?

They often turned a blind eye.

What effect did Prohibition have on respect for the law?

It caused widespread disrespect for the law.

Which amendment ended Prohibition?

The 21st Amendment.

How large did the Ku Klux Klan grow during the 1920s?

About 5 million members.

Who did the KKK target in the 1920s?

Blacks, Jews, Catholics, immigrants, and working women.

Why did KKK membership decline later in the decade?

Violence led to government crackdowns.

What restriction was used to limit immigration?

Literacy tests.

Which immigrants were most targeted by immigration laws?

Southern and Eastern Europeans.

Which group continued to immigrate for jobs despite restrictions?

Mexican immigrants.

What was the main cultural conflict of the 1920s?

Fundamentalism versus modernism.

What religious belief system challenged modern culture?

Protestant fundamentalism.

What was the Scopes Monkey Trial about?

Teaching evolution versus traditional religious beliefs in schools.

Who argued for the prosecution in the Scopes Trial?

William Jennings Bryan.

Who argued for the defense?

Clarence Darrow.

When did the Scopes Monkey Trial take place?

1925.

What slogan did Warren G. Harding use in his 1920 campaign?

"Return to Normalcy."

Why did Harding's presidency become controversial?

Corruption scandals involving his Cabinet.

Which two Cabinet members were involved in scandals?

Albert Fall and Harry Daugherty.

What was the Teapot Dome Scandal?

Albert Fall accepted bribes for oil leasing rights.

What else damaged Harding's reputation?

His immoral personal behavior.

When did Calvin Coolidge become president?

1923.

When did Coolidge win reelection?

1924.

What traits was Calvin Coolidge known for?

Quiet nature, honesty, and integrity.

What famous quote is associated with Coolidge?

"The business of America is business."

How did Coolidge view the role of the president?

He believed the president should not be very active.

Why did Coolidge not want to serve two terms?

His young son had died.

Who won the presidency in 1928?

Herbert Hoover.

How was Herbert Hoover described?

A self-made, intelligent, and industrious man.

What did Hoover believe about government and business?

They could work together.

What political ideas did Republicans promote during the 1920s?

Returning to normalcy and limiting reform.

Who did Republican policies mainly represent?

Countryside and rural people.

Which groups increasingly supported Democrats during the 1920s?

Urban and minority voters.

When would this political shift become most clear?

In the elections of the 1930s