Studied by 12 people
Louis Armstrong
(1901-1971) born in New Orleans and died in New York City; prominent jazz singer and musician who came to fame in the Harlem Renaissance in the 1920s. Played the trumpet and cornet while singing with his famous rich voice. Started his musical career in reform school and would end up being one of the most recognizable voices in all the world.
John Logie Baird
(1888-1946) born in Dunbartonshire, Scotland and died in Sussex, England. Inventor who showed the first working television in 1926 and later the first color television. His company, the ___________ Television Development Company, sent the first transatlantic transmission in 1928. His television would revolutionize the world, but due to WWII, its cultural takeover was delayed until largely after his death.
Franz Boas
(1958-1942) born in Prussia and died in New York City; anthropologist who disproved many of the scientific racial theories as he demonstrated how culture is a strong factor of human behavior, not biological differences. His studies in anthropology rejected a lot of the evolutionary approaches to culture that had supported racist theories of Anglo-Saxonism and white superiority. Helped create the first anthropology degree program in the U.S. at Columbia University.
Clara Bow
(1905-1965) born in Brooklyn, NY and died in Culver City, CA; American actress in the silent film industry in the 1920s. Was in over 46 silent films and 11 talkies throughout her career. She was the first "It Girl" that embodied the draw of celebrity that film actors became associated with.
William Jennings Bryan
(1860-1925) born in Salem, IL and died in Dayton, TN; Lawyer, orator, and politician representing Nebraska from the 1890s until his death. Ran for president of the U.S. as the Democratic Party candidate in 1896, 1900, and 1908 and is known for his famous speeches that advocated for coinage of silver. Served as the secretary of state in the Wilson administration before resigning in protest of the U.S. movement towards being involved in WWI. Was made wealthy by early real estate investments in Florida before the height of the land boom. In 1925, he was a prosecutor for the Scopes Trial that promoted religious fundamentalism and sought state laws banning the teaching of evolution.
Richard E. Byrd
(1888-1957) born in Winchester, VA and died in Boston, MA; Naval officer who pioneered aviation and polar exploration for which he was awarded the Medal of Honor. Crossed the Atlantic from New York to Paris just one month after Lindbergh. Traveled to the North and South poles by air and discovered Mount Sidley in Antarctica. Was the first reported to fly across both poles, claiming to have reached the North Pole in 1926 and the South Pole in 1929.
Coco Chanel
(1883-1971) born in Saumur, France and died in Paris, France; Fashion designer and businesswoman who founded the _________ brand which popularized new feminine styles for women. Modernized the approach to fashion and made designs that were simpler yet posh. Would be an incon of the industry for most of the 20th century. The brand today sells jewelry, handbags, and fragrance.
Charlie Chaplin
(1889-1977) born in London, England and died in Corsier-sur-Vevey, Switzerland; Actor, filmmaker, and composer in the silent film industry. Known for his character "Tramp" and for political undertones in his films. Co-founder of United Artists, and his career was over 75 years, almost entirely in silent films. Courted controversy with his personal life and political opinions. A combination of which led to his entry-visa being revoked on the orders of J. Edgar Hoover while he vacationed in England in 1952.
Edward Young Clarke
(1877-IDK) born in Atlanta, GA; Advertising professional that, along with his lover Mary Elizabeth Tyler, turned the revived KKK from a small regional entity to a nationwide powerhouse through their effective recruitment strategies using their Southern Publicity Association. When his stories came out about embezzlement and arrests for indecency, he was removed as Grand Kleagle in 1922. He had made millions through his efforts to increase the size of the KKK.
Elizabeth "Bessie" Coleman
(1892-1926) born in Atlanta, TX and died in Jacksonville, FL; first Black American woman to hold a pilot license and international pilot's license. Became a high-profile pilot in air shows known as "Queen ______" or "Brave _____". Killed falling from a plane during a test flight. Her funeral service was led by Ida B. Wells.
James M. Cox
(1870-1957) born in Jacksonburg, OH and died in Kettering, OH; ran for president on the Democratic ticket in 1920. Running mate was future President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Ran a vigorous campaign and sought to support Wilson's position on the League of Nations but lost the election to Warren Harding and his slogan "return to normalcy."
Clarence Seward Darrow
(1857-1938) born in Farmdale, OH and died in Chicago, IL; prominent lawyer in the early 1900s, mostly known for the Leopold and Loeb Trial and the Scopes Trial. Member of the ACLU who advocated for justice and equality. Famously used psychology experts to defend his clients from the death penalty. His cross examination of former ally Bryan in the Scopes Trial was covered by reports from around the globe and later dramatized in the play and movie "Inherit the Wind".
Harry M. Daugherty
(1860-1941) born in Washington Court House, OH and died in Columbus, OH; Politician in the state of Ohio who had supported in groomed Harding. As a close friend and backer of Harding, he helped him win the presidency in 1920 and was rewarded by being named the attorney general of the US. Was associated with numerous corruption scandals for selling access and favorable decisions by the Justice Department. Forced to resign in 1924 after Coolidge took office following Harding's death. Refused to cooperate with investigations and was put on trial twice for corruption, but both attempts to punish him ended in hung juries. He had burned evidence and sought to frame his actions as protecting the deceased president's legacy.
John W. Davis
(1873-1955) born in Clarksburg, WV and died in Charleston, SC; politician and lawyer who served as the ambassador to the United Kingdom under Wilson under WWI. Ran for president in 1924 as a compromise candidate for the Democratic Party after it could not garner enough support for either Al Smith or William McAdoo. Ran with Charles Bryan and lost to Calvin Coolidge. Would later argue in two key cases in front of the US Supreme Court. Argued successfully against the Truman administration in the Youngstown Sheet & Tube Co. v. Sawyer case and unsuccessfully in the Briggs v. Elliot case that was part of the ruling that ended the "separate but equal" doctrine.
Lee de Forest
(1873-1961) born in Council Bluffs, IA and died in Hollywood, CA; inventor of sound-on-film recording in motion pictures. Had over 300 patents including his 1906 creation the Audion for amplification that used a vacuum tube. It would be a foundational piece for radio, telephone advancements, and movies.
Oscar De Priest
(1871-1951) born in Florence, AL and died in Chicago, IL; civil rights advocate and politician as the first Black American elected to Congress in the 20th century. Elected from 1929 to 1935 for Illinois' first district. While he served in Congress, he was the only Black member in either house.
William Harrison "Jack" Dempsey
(1895-1983) born in Manassa, CO and died in New York City; professional boxer from 1914 to 1927, nicknamed "Kid Blackie" and then the "Manassa Mauler." Used an aggressive fighting style which made him a famous icon in the 1920s. Though he was originally portrayed as a heel based on his style, he eventually won worldwide recognition, and his fame led to a limited film career and a marriage to a Hollywood starlet. His most famous fights were defeats, losing his heavyweight title to Gene Tunney in 1926 and again the next year in the wildly popular yet controversial rematch.
John Dos Passos
(1896-1970) born in Chicago, IL and died in Baltimore, MD; author in the 1920s who rose to fame as part of the Lost Generation with several best-selling novels. Lived in France for most of the 1920s and wrote in an experimental, non-linear form that blends biography and news reports. Best known for his works Three Soldiers and Manhattan Transfer.
W.E.B. Du Bois
(1868-1963) born in Great Barrington, MA and died in Accra, Ghana; civil rights activist and founder of the NAACP in 1909. Advocated for integration and equality in opposition to the conciliatory approach of Booker T. Washington. Was the first Black person to be awarded a PhD from Harvard and was the editor of The Crisis. Opposed the aggressive approach to equality of Marcus Garvey and worked to have him deported. Later he would become more aggressive himself and worked in the Pan-African movement after leaving the US.
Thomas Edison
(1847-1931) born in Milan, OH and died in West Orange, NJ; inventor and businessman who developed systems for producing and transmitting electric power, mass communication, sound recording, and motion pictures. His research laboratory, Menlo Park, utilized scientific teamwork and held over 1000 patents. He was as relentless in business as he was in tinkering and was extremely active in trying to undermine competitors or limit the ability of others to use any of his inventions without his control. Helped found one of the largest companies and a leader in research, General Electric. From the incandescent light bulb to the phonograph, to the motion picture camera and projector his numerous inventions and innovations changed the world.
Albert Einstein
(1879-1955) born in Ulm, Germany and died in Princeton, NJ; physicist who developed the theory of relativity and expanded the theory of quantum mechanics. Received the 1921 Nobel Prize for Physics, and his name is known as a synonym for genius. Migrated from Germany to the US in the 1930s to escape the deadly Nazi regime. Spoke out about the oppression suffered by other Jews in Germany and sought to have more allowed to migrate to the US. His research still guides physicists to this day.
Isador Einstein
(1880-1938) born in Austria-Hungary and died in New York; federal police officer during the early Prohibition era with the most arrests and convictions. His police partner was Moe Smith, and together they made over 4000 arrests in New York City. By 1925, both men were laid off due to a reorganization of the police force and purported jealousy about their increasing fame due to news coverage about their exploits. Was famous for a myriad of disguises used to infiltrate speakeasies (known as Izzy).
Duke Ellington
(1899-1974) born in Washington, D.C. and died in New York City; composer, pianist, and jazz musician in the 1920s at the height of the Harlem Renaissance. Famous for his performances at the Cotton Club in Harlem, NY. Known for collaborating or composing over one thousand pieces.
Albert Fall
(1861-1944) born in Frankfurt, KY and died in El Paso, TX; senator for New Mexico, then was secretary of the interior under President Warren G. Harding in the early 1920s. Directly involved with the Teapot Dome scandal in which oil reserves in Wyoming and California were sold. The investigation revealed money from the oil interests going to Fall in payments as well as loans. Became the first cabinet official to be sent to jail after being convicted on bribery and conspiracy charges.
Philo Taylor Farnsworth
(1906-1971) born in Beaver, UT and died in Holladay, UT; inventor in the television field. In 1927, he invented an all-electronic image pickup device, the image dissector, and the first fully functional television system.
Sir Alexander Fleming
(1881-1955) born in Darvel, Scotland and died in London; microbiologist who discovered the first strain of Penicillium in 1928. It profoundly changed the future of medicine, as penicillin fights off bacterial infections. Awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1945.
Christine Frederick
(1883-1970) born in Boston and died in Newport Beach, CA; author of "Selling Mrs. Consumer" and other works that focused on her ideas as a home economist and supporter of Taylorism in the home. Experimented with household efficiency and wrote books on women's role in mass production in the economy.
Sigmund Freud
(1856-1939) born in Moravia, Austrian Empire and died in London; neurologist and psychoanalyst who developed therapeutic techniques and redefined sexuality. Published many books that elaborate on his studies of the human psyche. His focus on the subconscious mind being a driving force behind human actions and the existence of libido inspired discussions, debates, and changes regarding society.
Francis Galton
(1822-1911) born in Birmingham, England and died in Haslemere, England; scientist and mathematician who used statistics to study human differences and inheritance of traits. Coined the term eugenics to study social Darwinism and the concept of nature versus nurture.
George Gershwin
(1898-1937) born in Brooklyn and died in Los Angeles; famous pianist and composer during the 1920s Jazz Age. Primarily wrote broadways that blended classical music with popular styles of jazz. Best known for compositions such as "Rhapsody in Blue," "I Got Rhythm," and "Porgy and Bess."
Robert H. Goddard
(1882-1945) born in Worcester, MA and died in Baltimore, MD. Physicist who built the first liquid-fueled rocket in 1926. Known for beginning the Space AGe with his repeated successful rocket tests largely completed in Roswell, NM. Also patented the first plans for a multistage rocket.
Harold Edward "Red" Grange
(1903-1991) born in Forksville, PA and died in Lake Wales, FL; American football player nicknamed the "Galloping Ghost," or the "Wheaton Iceman." Gained prominence for his historic college football career as an All-American and National Champion at the University of Illinois. Played on the Chicago Bears in the National Football League before founding the short-lived American Football League in 1926. He was a member of the College and Pro Football Halls of Fame.
David W. Griffith
(1875-1948) born in Oldham County, KY and died in Hollywood; Film director in motion picture films who expanded the narrative film. His work at creating epic films with complex stories told in a new and dramatic styles made him a legend in the industry. Co-founded United Artists in 1919 and has over 500 films associated with his name. Best known for the revolutionary and controversial "The Birth of a Nation."
William Randolph Hearst
(1863-1951) born in San Francisco and died in Beverly Hills; newspaper publisher and owner of the media company, ______________ Communications. Ran several national newspapers and utilized yellow journalism to entice the US to declare war on Spain in 1898. His influence continued throughout the 1920s in politics and media, and he was the main inspiration for Orson Welles' film "Citizen Kane." Supported the film industry and was fixture of the Hollywood community, hosting parties at his palatial mansion, San Simeon, built in 1919
Ernest Hemingway
(1899-1961) born in Oak Park, IL and died in Ketchum, ID; author of many famous novels that are considered American classics. His writing style included the "iceberg theory," a term he coined, that describes stories as having more information below the surface of the plot. Served in WWI as an ambulance driver and used many of his experiences in his works. Lived in Paris for much of the 1920s along with other members of the Lost Generation. Won the 1954 Nobel Prize in Literature for his works.
J. Edgar Hoover
(1895-1972) born and died in Washington, D.C.; first director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and served until 1972. First appointed in 1924 when the organization was known as the Bureau of Investigation. Built up the agency and established the Index List for wanted criminals and used his organizational skills to track numerous individuals that he deemed dangerous or subversive. This included significant figures of the Twenties such as Charlie Chaplin, Marcus Garvey, and Margaret Sanger. Known for using extensive surveillance, including illegal wiretaps, blackmail, and intimidation to further his aims.
Langston Hughes
(1901-1967) born in Joplin, MO and died in New York City; author, poet, and playwright who advocated for Black American equality. Known as a leading figure of the Harlem Renaissance and the Jazz Age. His intellectual approach to writing about issues of the day in figurative language was powerful and is still engaging today. Some of his best-known works are "Mother to Son," "The Negro Speaks of Rivers," and "Dreams"
Mary Hannah Hanchett Hunt
(1830-1906) born in New Jersey and died in Florida; advocate for temperance and prohibition. Influenced schools to use textbooks that supported prohibition and taught the dangers of alcohol. Those textbooks were eventually excluded from the schools as they were biased and incorrect
Zora Neale Hurston
(1891-1960) born in Notasulga, AL and died in Fort Pierce, FL; author and filmmaker in the early 20th century. Her works discussed issues and culture from the Black community. Best known for her works during Harlem Renaissance. Studied anthropology under Franz Boas at Columbia University and was a student with famous researchers such as Margaret Mead. One of her most famous works was "Their Eyes Were Watching God"
John Harvey Kellogg
(1852-1943) born in Tyrone, MI and died in Battle Creek, MI; businessman, doctor, and eugenicist who studied nutrition and germ theory. He promoted his eugenics beliefs and co-founded the Race Betterment Foundation which discouraged racial mixing and supported sterilization. Ran a well-known health center frequented by celebrities at the Battle Creek Sanitarium in Michigan. Developed several health foods including ________________'s Corn Flakes which turned into a massive cereal company
Robert La Follette
(1855-1925) born in Primrose, WA and died in Washington, DC; politician in Wisconsin that initiated many progressive reforms and championed reforms at the state and national levels. Unsuccessfully ran for president of the US in 1924 on the Progressive Party ticket but won over 16% of the popular vote, resulting in one of the best showings by a third-party candidate in history. Represented his home state of Wisconsin in the House, the Senate, and served as its governor
Kenesaw Mountain Landis
(1866-1944) born in Millville, OH and died in Chicago; first commissioner of baseball from 1920 until 1944. Led the investigation into the "Black Sox" scandal of the World Series in 1919 and expelled eight players from the league. He had previously been a federal judge before serving as commissioner and was chosen to help fix the MLB's image and restore public confidence in the game
John L. Lewis
(1880-1969) born near Lucas County, IA and died in Alexandria, VA; president of the United Mine Workers of America, and he helped establish the labor union of United Steelworkers of America. Became the head of the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO) but later moved to the American Federation of Labor
Sinclair Lewis
(1885-1951) born in Sauk Center, MN and died in Rome; author and playwright with many notable works throughout the 1920s that are associated with the Lost Generation movement. Made a sensation for his assault on small town values with "Main Street." Also attacked what he was as a vacuous pursuit of middle-class values with "Babbitt." Produced several well-known works such as "Arrowsmith" and "It Can't Happen Here." Won the Nobel Prize for Literature
Lois Bancroft Long
(1901-1974) born in Stamford, CT and died in Saratoga, NY; writer for "The New Yorker" magazine who wrote columns about the New York nightlife. Wrote under the pseudonyms "Lipstick" about the flapper lifestyle. Worked as a columnist until 1968
William McAdoo Jr
(1863-1941) born in Marietta, GA and died in Washington, DC; progressive statesman who ran for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1920 and again in 1924. Began as an attorney and business operator in Tennessee, Ohio, and then New Jersey. Became the son-in-law to Woodrow Wilson in 1914 and was appointed treasury secretary after Wilson won the presidency. He butted heads when both wanted the Democratic Party nomination in 1920 and split the party when he refused to yield to a compromise candidate at the deadlocked convention in 1924. Later served in the US Senate from California
Festus Claudius "Claude" McKay
(1890-1948) born in Clarendon Parish, Jamaica and died in Chicago; famous writer during the Harlem Renaissance. His work confronted racism by discussing race riots and lynchings. Wrote the novel "Home to Harlem" and several popular works of poetry
Aimee Semple McPherson
(1890-1944) born in Ontario, Canada and died in Oakland, CA; religious media celebrity who used radio to draw audiences for her sermons. Her preaching style influenced future pastors to appeal for donations, contribute to charities, and incorporate state productions into services. She used a style that was similar to movies that were made not far from her headquarters of her International Church of the Four Square in San Diego. Had international fame for her preaching and popular radio broadcasts and had an infamou disappearance that many believed to be a cover up for an affair
Andrew Mellon
(1855-1937) born in Pittsburgh and died in Southampton, NY; secretary of treasury under Presidents Warren Harding, Calvin Coolidge, and Herbert Hoover. Gained a fortune in banking and then financing the consolidations of some of the largest corporations in the nation. Attempted to reduce taxation and the national debt but was removed from the cabinet as the Great Depression began. Named as ambassador to the UK by FDR
Henry L. Mencken
(1880-1956) born in Baltimore, MD and died in Baltimore; journalist in Baltimore who became one of the most significant voices about politics and society during the Twenties, first with "The Smart Set" and then with his monthly magazine "The American Mercury." Famously recruited Charles Darrow for the Scopes Trial in Tennessee in 1925 and reported on the events. Wrote "The American Language" about the study fo the English language in the US
Edna St. Vincent Millay
(1892-1950) born in Rockland, ME and Austerlitz, NY; poet and playwright who supported feminism and rose to fame in the 1920s. Won the Pulitzer Prize in 1923. She continued to write in many formats, including novels under the pseudonym Nancy Boyd and an opera, "The King's Henchman." Her works were widely popular amongst the modern-minded younger generations of the Twenties
Arthur C. Nielsen
(1897-1980) born and died in Chicago; businessman who founded the ___________________________ Company to study market research. Developed a rating system for measuring radio and television broadcasting audiences. The measurement of audience responses became more and more important as mass communication, advertising, and popular culture began dominating business interests
Eugene O'Neill
(1888-1953) born in New York City and died in Boston; famous dramatic playwright and Nobel Prize winner for literature in 1936. Most of his plays are considered realistic works that include problems and tragedies in society. They dealt with domestic issues that had not previously been addressed in popular productions on Broadway. "Long Day's Journey into Night" is his most acclaimed work and one of the most acclaimed plays in US history
A. Mitchell Palmer
(1872-1936) born in White Haven, PA and died in Washington D.C.; U.S. attorney general under President Wilson during the first Red Scare. Oversaw the aggressive ____________ Raids that rounded up and deported many suspected radicals, anarchists, and communists. Originally represented Pennsylvania in Congress and then worked for the Wilson administration as Office of Alien Property Custodian. He had hopes of securing the Democratic nomination for president in 1920, but after the May Day attack that he claimed was coming never materialized, he quickly lost support
Dorothy Parker
(1893-1967) born in Long Branch, NJ and died in Manhattan, NY; writer for "The New Yorker" magazine and a member of the Algonquin Round Table. Wrote screenplays and was nominated for two Academy Awards before being blacklisted for her political connections. Her writing style made her popular amongst artists in New York during the Twenties, but her work continued beyond the decade
Carlo Pietro Giovanni Guglielmo Tebaldo "Charles" Ponzi
(1882-1949) born in Lugo, Kingdom of Italy and died in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; con artist who utilized his own money-making scheme to swindle investors out of their money. The scheme is now called a "______________ scheme" after his success in the 1920s. He purportedly used foreign postage exchanges as his investment system, but it was actually a pyramid scheme. Served nine years in prison before being deported back to Italy. Later worked as an agent for Brail's airline during WWII
A. Philip Randolph
(1889-1979) born in Crescent City, FL and died in New York City; civil rights activist and labor unionists who fought for equality. In 1925, helped create the first successful labor union for Black workers with the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters. Edited the "Messenger" to spread his ideas and bring attention to issues in the community and the labor struggle. Was successful in getting FDR and Harry Truman to issue executive orders that supported equality for Black workers
George Remus
(1878-1952) born in Bavaria, Germany and died in Covington, KY; attorney who became known as the "King of the Bootleggers" during the Prohibition era as he used a loophole in the Volstead Act. Produced and sold bonded liquor for medicinal purposes from his Death Valley Farm near Cincinnati, OH. Was eventually arrested and convicted of violating the Volstead Act in 1925 and later was acquitted of murdering his wife
Franklin D. Roosevelt
(1882-1945) born in Hyde Park, NY and died in Warm Springs, GA; 32nd president of the United States, serving from 1933 until his death in 1945. Only president to win four presidential elections. His presidency started during the height of the Great Depression and went through the majority of WWII. In the presidential election of 1920, James Cox selected him as his running mate, but they lost to Harding and Coolidge. In 1921, he contracted polio which paralyzed him for most of the rest of his life. Served as governor of New York from 1928 until his presidential victory in 1933
Nellie Taylor Ross
(1876-1977) born in St. Joseph, MO and died in Washington, D.C.; first woman to serve as a governor of a US state, specifically Wyoming. Served from 1925 to 1927 after winning a special election following the death of her husband, the previous governor. In 1933, she was appointed the director of the US Mint
Pauline Sabin
(1887-1955) born in Chicago and died in Washington, D.C.; leader in the movement to repeal Prohibition. She founded the Women's Organization for National Prohibition Reform in 1929 which was successful in assisting the passage of the 21st amendment. Used her connections as part of the political and social elite of New York to further her goals. Acted as the first female representative from New York at the GOP National Committee in 1923
William Joseph Simmons
(1880-1945) born in Harpersville, AL and died in Atlanta, GA; preacher who was inspired by the book "The CLansman" by Thomas Dixon. Used his knowledge of dozens of fraternal organizations when he founded the second KKK in 1915. Acted as the leader of the organization until 1922 when he was replaced in a coup after questionable finance decisions, such as created the failed Lanier University and the scandal surrounding his Grand Kleagle Edward Clarke
Alfred E. Smith
(1873-1944) born and died in New York City; governor of New York from 1923 to 1928. Known as the "Happy Warrior," he unsuccessfully ran for president in 1928 as the Democratic candidate. Was the first Roman Catholic to be nominated for president by a major party. Was a strong opponent of Prohibition, and his association with the machine politics of New York City kept him from securing the two-thirds majority needed at the DNC in 1924. He was able to overcome such reservations to win the nomination in 1928, but many in the party refused to support him, and he lost in a landslide. Helped lead the construction of the Empire State Building, but it was largely unsuccessful for years due to opening during the Depression
Bessie Smith
(1894-1937) born in Chattanooga, TN and died in Clarksdale, MS; blues singer nicknamed the "Empress of Blues." Her style emphasized elements of sex, blues, gospel, and independence. Was one og the greatest singers from the Jazz Age and had a successful career with Columbia Records before her untimely death in a car accident at the age of 43
Jesse "Jess" W. Smith
(1871-1923) born in Washington Court House, OH and died in Washington, D.C.; chief advisor to the US Attorney General Harry Daugherty during President Harding's term. After corruption, bribery, and associations with bootlegging came to light, Smith was found dead of a gunshot wound to the head. It was pronounced a suicide but helped lead to further investigations by the Senate. He had shared an account that was believed to be a slush fund with Attorney General Daugherty in Ohio, but the receipts were destroyed
Gertrude Stein
(1874-1946) born in Allegheny, PA and died in Neuilly-sue-Seine, France; art critic and collector of Cubism works. Also wrote novels and plays that became famous. She owned a salon in Paris that allowed leading artists and authors in the 1920s and 1930s to meet. Known for coining the term "Lost Generation" and served as guide and muse for many of its writers during their time in france in the Twenties
Billy Sunday
(1862-1935) born in Story County, IA and died in Chicago; famous evangelical Christian preacher who delivered famous sermons to large crowds around the US. Argued for fundamentalist beliefs and traditions after he left behind his life of drinking and a professional baseball career. Utilized electronic sound systems to amplify his voice during his sermons. Also collected donations, which helped add to his own wealth and influence in the early 20th century. His huge personality was used by numerous media outlets to act as a commentator or reporter on sensational trials or events
Gloria Swanson
(1899-1983) born in Chicago and died in New York City; actress in silent films, motion pictures, television shows, and on stage. Joined United Artists during the 1920s to be able to produce as well as star in films. She was nominated for the first ever Best Actress Academy Award in 1929 and her career spanned over 30 years
William "Big Bill" Thompson
(1869-1944) born in Boston, MA and died in Chicago; mayor of Chicago between 1915 and 1923 and again from 1927 to 1931. He was known for his open alliance with Al Capone and the crime bosses of Chicago
James "Gene" Tunney
(1897-1978) born in New York City and died in Greenwich, CT; professional boxer who held the heavyweight title from 1926 to 1928. He was the winner of the most famous boxing matches known as "The Long Count Fight" in 1927 which was a rematch against Jack Dempsey. Wanted to be known for more sophisticated pursuits and was known to visit notable literary artists, read poetry, and even lectured on Shakespeare
Mary Elizabeth Tyler
(1881-1924) born in ??? and died in Altadena, CA; co-founder of the Southern Publicity Association the second KKK fraternal organization into a mass-membership organization. She expanded their agenda and collected membership fees to support the organization. She was eventually ousted from the KKK in 1923 after a criminal investigation into salacious conduct
Rudolph Valentino (Rodolfo Alfonso Raffaello Pierre Filiberto Gugliemi di Valentina d' Antonguolla)
(1895-1926) born in Castellaneta, Italy and died in New York City; Italian actor who rose to popularity in the 1920s. He was known as the "Latin Lover" and his most famous character was the "Sheik." He starred in many silent films before his sudden death at the age of 31 which saw scores of mourners crowd the streets for his funeral. It was later revealed that his promoters had paid some of the people to attend to help promote Valentino's latest film
Madam C.J. Walker (Sarah Breedlove)
(1867-1919) born in Delta, LA and died in Irvington, NY; entrepreneur and the first self-made female millionaire. Her company sold cosmetics and hair care products for Black women using an army of female sales agents. She also was adept at using advertising for her beauty products and a philanthropic activist who promoted Black American organizations. C.J. stood for Charles Joseph, her third husband
Wayne B. Wheeler
(1869-1927) born in Brookfield Township, OH and died in Battle Creek, MI; leader of the Anti-Saloon League and assisted in the ratification of the 18th amendment. Utilized media campaigns, public demonstrations, and lobbying to spread prohibition and pass the Volstead Act. Considered one of the most influential people in the country for making endorsements or attacking politicians based on their position on Prohibition
Frances Willard
(1839-1898) born in Churchville, NY and died in New York City; leader in the temperance movement, suffrage movement, and other progressive issues, and was president of the Women's Christian Temperance Union from 1879 until her death. Her efforts to promote temperance and prohibition eventually led to the ratification of the 18th amendment.
Mabel Walker Willebrandt
(1889-1963) born in Woodsdale, KS and died in Riverside, CA; known as the "First Lady of Law" and was appointed as US assistant to the attorney general from 1921 to 1929. Handled mostly prohibition violations and was a strict enforcer of the Volstead Act. Her investigations led to the eventual conviction of Al Capone. Also successful in many speakeasy raids leading up to the presidential election of 1928 which helped Herbert Hoover win the election. She was also virulently anti-Catholic, and after being passed over for the attorney general spot, she went into private practice and represented businesses such as Vine-Glo, a Prohibition work-around for making wine at home
Edith Wilson
(1872-1961) born in Wytheville, VA and died in Washington, D.C.; first lady of the US from 1915 to 1921 during her husband, Woodrow Wilson's, terms. Influential as a manager of the White House after Wilson suffered a stroke in 1919 until his term ended in 1921. She communicated and decided some important matters while being her husband's caretaker
Woodrow Wilson
(1856-1924) born in Staunton, VA and died in Washington, D.C.; 28th president of the US from 1913 to 1921 during the Progressive era and WWI. Drafted a plan for peace following WWI which established a League of Nations to create international cooperation. The US did not join the organization following the Senate's rejection of the Treaty of Versailles and the election victory for Warren Harding and his "return to normalcy" campaign. Four different amendments were ratified and added to the Constitution during his terms, including nationwide Prohibition and women's suffrage. He coveted a third term but was unrealistic about his prospects especially after suffering a series of strokes in 1919
Al Capone
(1899-1947) born in Brooklyn, NY and died in Palm Island, FL; A famous Chicago gangster who made a fortune ($60 million in one year) off of bootlegging, and "murdered" his way to the top of the crime network, buying off public officials, the police, and judges. He was not convicted of any wrongdoing, however, until a judge in a federal court convicted him of income-tax evasion and sent him to jail in 1931.
Calvin Coolidge
(1872-1933) born in Plymouth Notch, VT and Northampton, MA; vice president of U.S. from 1921-1923 and president of the U.S. from 1923-1929, taciturn; small gov't conservative; laissez faire ideology; in favor of immigration restriction (Immigration Act); reduced the tax burden; the Bonus Bill was passed over his veto; Revenue Act of 1924; Kellogg-Briand Pact
Bruce Barton
(1886-1967) born in Robbins, TN and died in New York City; American author, advertising executive, and Republican politician who represented Manhattan in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1937 to 1941. Served as an advisor for both the Republican Party and several Republican presidential candidates including Calvin Coolidge and Herbert Hoover. Most famous book was “The Man Nobody Knows” (1925) - in the book he envisions Jesus as if he was alive in the 1920s and was an executive businessman.
Clarence Birdseye
(1886-1956) born and died in New York City; American businessman and inventor best known for developing a process for freezing foods in small packages suitable for retailing. Helped found General Seafoods Company in 1924.
Louis Brandeis
(1856-1941) born in Louisville, KY and died in Washington, D.C.; associate justice of the US Supreme Court from 1916-1939 and was the first Jewish person to sit on the high court. As a justice on the court, he wanted to preserve federalism and to restrict state laws when they interfered with the freedom to express ideas. Wrote the concurring opinion on Whitney v. California (1927)
Adolphus Busch
(1839-1913) born near Mainz, Germany and died in Germany; German-born American cofounder of one of the largest breweries in the world (Anheuser-____________ Companies, Inc.)
Howard Carter
(1874-1939) born in England and died in London, England; British archaeologist who was part of the team that discovered the largely intact tomb of King TUtankhamen
Charles Darwin
(1809-1882) born and died in England; English naturalist whose scientific theory of evolution by natural selection became the foundation of modern evolutionary studies. Controversy over teaching this theory was featured in the Scopes Trial.
T.S. Eliot
(1888-1965) born in St. Louis, MO and died in London, England; American-English poet, playwright, literary critic, and editor; leader of the Modernist movement in poetry with works such as The Waste Land (1922) (this poem expresses the disenchantment, disillusionment, and disgust in the period after WWI)
Miriam Ferguson
(1875-1961) born in Texas and died in Austin, TX; became first female governor of Texas in 1925 after campaigning as a stand-in for her husband, who had been impeached as governor in 1917 and was barred from returning to office after also being convicted of financial crimes; Ran on an anti-KKK platform and adopted her husband’s anti-prohibitionist stance
F. Scott Fitzgerald
(1896-1940) born in St. Paul, MN and died in Hollywood, CA; American short-story writer and novelist famous for his depictions of the Jazz Age - most famous novel is The Great Gatsby (1925); part of The Lost Generation
Henry Ford
(1863-1947) born in Springwells Township, MI and died in Dearborn, MI; almost single-handedly made the auto a “must-have” for millions and helped create car culture. Began working as an engineer for Westinghouse, before moving on to the Detroit Edison Company. Also worked on designing vehicles and what would become the Model T during that time. Officially founded the ______ Motor Company in 1903. The 1908 introduction of the Model T automobile revolutionized both transportation and American industry. He is credited with "_____ism", the mass production of inexpensive goods coupled with high wages for workers. Was also among the pioneers of the five-day work week. His intense commitment to systematically lowering costs resulted in many technical and business innovations, including a franchise system that put dealerships throughout North America and major cities on six continents.
He was widely known for his pacifism during the first years of World War I. In the 1920s he promoted antisemitic content through his newspaper The Dearborn Independent, and the book, The International Jew.
Marcus Garvey
(1887-1940) born in Saint Ann’s Bay, Jamaica and died in London, England; elevated the concept of Black pride form an ill-defined notion to a movement with distinct and evolving elements and aspirations - after experiencing being Black on multiple continents, wanted to make that experience the basis for a universal and united movement for people of African heritage. He was heavily influenced by Booker T. Washington and sought a separation of the races so that Blacks could rule and improve themselves without the hindrance of others, along with promoting a “Back-to-Africa" movement. Founded the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA). WEB DuBois labeled him a “danger” to Blacks around the world. He was convicted for fraud due to his mismanagement of the Black Star Line and served a five-year federal sentence.
Warren G. Harding
(1865-1923) born in Blooming Grove, OH and died in San Francisco, CA; served as the Lt. Governor of Ohio and Senator from Ohio before later becoming 29th president of the United States. He campaigned for president in 1920 on the idea of a return to “normalcy” and won the Republican nomination after a deadlocked convention. His presidency was marred by the scandals and the fact that he lacked control over or involvement in most of the actions that took place in his administration, but he did help establish the federal budget system, create a tariff that supported U.S. industries, and officially removed the country from war.
Herbert Hoover
(1874-1964) born in West Branch, IA and New York City; 31st president of the United States and served as secretary of commerce for Harding and Coolidge. During World War I, he helped U.S. citizens get home when the war broke out in Europe, acted as head of the Food Administration for the Wilson Administration, and headed the American Relief Administration after the war to help stave off starvation after the war. As secretary of commerce, he tried to create voluntary and cooperative efforts to influence the economy (he would try to use the same strategies as president to less effect). After the Stock Market Crash, his lack of direct government action and inability to connect with struggling citizens led to a worsening economic crisis and eventually cost him the presidency in 1932.
Buster Keaton
(1895-1966) born in Piqua, KS and died in Los Angeles, CA; American actor, comedian, and filmmaker and is best known for his silent film work. His trademark as an actor was physical comedy accompanied by a stoic, deadpan expression that earned him the nickname “The Great Stone FAce.”
Charles Lindbergh
(1902-1974) born in Detroit, MI and died in Kipahulu, HI; American aviator best known for being the first to complete a non-stop solo flight over the Atlantic Ocean in 1927 (flew from Long Island to Paris, France). The plane he used for the flight was the Spirit of St. Louis. Helped grow national interest in flying travel during his goodwill tour after the famous flight.
Henry Luce
(1898-1967) born in Tengchow, China and died in Phoenix, AZ; An American magazine magnate who founded Time, Life, and Fortune magazines. He has been called "the most influential private citizen in the America of his day." Counting his radio projects and newsreels, he created the first multimedia corporation. He predicted that the US would achieve world hegemony, and in 1941 he declared the 20th century would be the "American Century."(1856
V.S. McClatchy
(1857-1938) An American newspaper owner and journalist. As publisher of The Sacramento Bee. After leaving the newspaper business, he became a leading figure in the anti-Japanese movement in California and formed key exclusionary groups to lobby for alien land laws and race-based limits on immigration and naturalization.
Caroline “Carrie” Nation
(1846-1911) Garrard County, KY and Leavenworth, KS; A radical member of the temperance movement, which opposed alcohol before the advent of Prohibition. She is noted for attacking alcohol-serving establishments with a hatchet. She refused to wear a corset and urged women not to wear them because of their harmful effects on vital organs. She described herself as "a bulldog running along at the feet of Jesus, barking at what He doesn't like," and claimed a divine ordination to promote temperance by destroying bars.
Damon Runyon
(1880-1946) born in Manhattan, KS and died in New York City; An American newspaperman and short-story writer. He was best known for his short stories celebrating the world of Broadway in New York City that grew out of the Prohibition era. To New Yorkers of his generation, a typical character in his stories evoked a distinctive social type from Brooklyn or Midtown Manhattan. He spun humorous and sentimental tales of gamblers, hustlers, actors, and gangsters, preferring instead colorful names like "Nathan Detroit," "Benny Southstreet," "Big Jule," "Harry the Horse," "Good Time Charley," "Dave the Dude," or "The Seldom Seen Kid." His fictional world is also known to the general public through the musical Guys and Dolls based on two of his stories.
Babe Ruth
(1895-1948) died in Baltimore, MD and died in New York City; An American professional baseball player whose career in Major League Baseball spanned 22 seasons, from 1914 through 1935. Nicknamed "the Bambino" and "the Sultan of Swat," he began his career as a star left-handed pitcher for the Boston Red Sox, but achieved his greatest fame as a slugging outfielder for the New York Yankees. He is regarded as one of the greatest baseball players of all time. In 1936, he was elected into the Baseball Hall of Fame as one of its "First Five" inaugural members. His trade to the Yankees fueled Boston's subsequent 86-year championship drought and popularized the "Curse of the Bambino" superstition.
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