Studied by 3 people
Great Migration
Background and Causes: Racial segregation and economic hardships in the South drove African Americans to seek better opportunities in Northern cities.
Phases of Migration: First wave (1910s-1920s) and second wave (1940s-1960s).
Impact: Urbanization, labor market changes, cultural shifts, and challenges faced in Northern cities.
Henry Ford's Assembly Line (1913)
Innovation and Efficiency: Introduced mass production techniques, division of labor, and standardization.
Affordability and Accessibility: Lowered production costs, made cars more affordable, and transformed consumer culture.
Impact on the Economy: Stimulated economic growth, expanded supply chains, and facilitated urbanization.
Panama Canal Opens (1914)
Facilitating Global Trade: Provided a shortcut between Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, enhancing international commerce.
Strengthening US Influence: Cemented US strategic and economic interests in the Western Hemisphere.
Impact on Shipping and Trade: Enhanced competitiveness and efficiency in global shipping routes.
World War I Begins in Europe (1914)
Initial Neutrality of the USA: US policy of neutrality under President Woodrow Wilson.
Impact on US Economy: Increased exports, economic growth, and industrial production.
Shift towards Interventionism: Factors leading to US entry into the war in 1917.
US Enters World War I (1917)
Impact on the War Effort: Provided crucial support to the Allied Powers.
Domestic Impact: Stimulated industrial production, labor shortages, and social changes.
Legacy: Significantly altered global balance of power and US foreign policy.
Espionage Act (1917)
Purpose and Provisions: Enacted to prevent interference with military operations and suppress dissent.
Impact on Civil Liberties: Raised concerns over freedom of speech and assembly during wartime.
Legal Enforcement: Used to prosecute dissenters and critics of government policies.
End of World War I: Armistice Signed (1918)
Ceasefire Agreement: Stipulated cessation of hostilities and terms for peace negotiations.
Impact and Aftermath: Led to celebrations, formal peace negotiations, and remembrance traditions.
Legacy: Redrew European boundaries and set stage for geopolitical changes.
18th Amendment Ratified (Prohibition Begins, 1919)
Prohibition Era: Ban on alcohol production, sale, and transportation.
Social Impact: Increased crime, speakeasies, and defiance of the law.
Repeal: Overturned by the 21st Amendment due to public dissatisfaction.
Red Summer (1919 Race Riots)
Racial Tensions: Post-war racial violence and economic competition.
Causes: Return of African American soldiers, segregation, and labor disputes.
Legacy: Highlighted racial inequality and spurred civil rights movements.
Treaty of Versailles Signed (1919, US Non-Ratification)
End of World War I: Imposed penalties on Germany and its allies.
US Position: President Wilson's efforts and Senate rejection over concerns about sovereignty.
Impact: Contributed to interwar tensions and shaped US foreign policy.
19th Amendment Ratified (1920)
Expansion of Voting Rights: Granted women the right to vote in the United States.
Impact: Increased political engagement and representation for women.
Legacy: Paved the way for further advancements in women's rights.
Prohibition Enforcement (Volstead Act, 1920)
Purpose: Enforced the 18th Amendment, prohibiting alcohol production and sale.
Challenges: Faced resistance from bootleggers and speakeasies.
Repeal: Ended with the 21st Amendment in 1933 due to public dissatisfaction.
First Commercial Radio Broadcast (1920)
KDKA Broadcast: Marked the first commercial radio broadcast in the US.
Impact: Revolutionized mass communication and entertainment.
Cultural Influence: Fostered national unity and transformed popular culture.
Emergency Quota Act (1921)
Purpose: Limited immigration based on nationality to address nativist concerns.
Impact: Shifted US immigration policy towards stricter quotas.
Nativist Sentiments: Reflective of growing anti-immigrant sentiments.
Sacco and Vanzetti Trial (1921)
Background: Italian immigrants charged with murder amidst anti-immigrant sentiment.
Controversy: Allegations of unfair trial and prejudice due to anarchist beliefs.
Outcome: Executed despite global protests, highlighting injustice and nativist attitudes.
Teapot Dome Scandal (1922)
Background: Secretary Albert Fall's illicit leasing of naval oil reserves.
Scandal Unfolds: Senate investigation revealed bribery and corruption.
Consequences: Fall became first cabinet member convicted of a felony, tarnishing Harding administration.
Immigration Act of 1924 (Johnson-Reed Act)
Purpose: Restricted immigration with national origins quotas.
Discriminatory Impact: Favored Northern and Western European immigrants.
Impact: Shifted US immigration policy towards selective control.
Native American Citizenship Act (1924)
Background: Granted US citizenship to Native Americans.
Recognition: Affirmed legal rights and status, but challenges persisted.
Legacy: Signified a step towards equality and recognition.
Scopes Trial (1925)
Background: High-profile trial on teaching evolution in schools.
Legal Battle: Clash between science (evolution) and religion (creationism).
Outcome: Scopes found guilty but verdict later overturned, highlighting cultural tensions.
KKK March in Washington, D.C. (1925)
Resurgence: Klan's public display of white supremacy and nativism.
Symbolism: Demonstrated racial prejudice and societal challenges.
Response: Sparked condemnation and efforts for tolerance and civil rights.
"The Jazz Singer" Released (1927)
Significance: First feature film with synchronized sound.
Impact: Transitioned film industry from silent films to "talkies."
Cultural Influence: Explored themes of identity and cultural change.
Charles Lindbergh's Transatlantic Flight (1927)
Achievement: First solo nonstop flight from New York to Paris.
Symbolism: Symbolized technological advancement and global connectivity.
Legacy: Inspired future aviation exploration and commercial air travel.
Herbert Hoover Elected President (1928)
Background: Elected during a period of economic prosperity.
Policies: Advocated for limited government intervention in the economy.
Legacy: Criticized for handling of Great Depression, shaped economic policies.
St. Valentine's Day Massacre (1929)
Context: Violent clash between rival gangs during Prohibition.
Impact: Highlighted organized crime's influence and law enforcement challenges.
Response: Increased calls for stricter law enforcement and revisiting Prohibition.
Wall Street Crash (1929)
Date and Context: October 29, 1929, marked the stock market collapse.
Causes: Over-speculation and economic weaknesses led to financial panic.
Impact: Triggered the Great Depression, reshaping global economies.
Legacy: Altered economic policies and perceptions of financial regulation.
Economic Boom and Consumerism
Mass Production: Henry Ford's assembly line revolutionized manufacturing, especially in the automobile industry.
Consumer Culture: Advertising and consumer credit spurred increased consumption of goods, shaping a vibrant consumer culture and fostering the idea of "keeping up with the Joneses."
Social and Cultural Changes
Jazz Age: Jazz music and the Harlem Renaissance flourished, challenging racial boundaries and celebrating African American culture.
Women's Rights: 19th Amendment (1920) granted women suffrage, influencing changing social norms seen in the "flapper" lifestyle.
Immigration and Racial Tensions
Restrictive Laws: Immigration Act of 1924 imposed quotas limiting Southern and Eastern European immigration, reflecting nativist fears.
Racial Conflict: Great Migration increased racial tensions in northern cities, contributing to segregation and violence.
Prohibition
Implementation: 18th Amendment and Volstead Act banned alcohol, leading to speakeasies and organized crime.
Consequences: Prohibition fueled illegal alcohol trade and corruption while failing to curb societal problems associated with alcohol consumption.
Political Developments
Republican Dominance: GOP's pro-business policies prevailed, yet scandals like Teapot Dome undermined public trust.
Teapot Dome Scandal: Exposed corruption in the Harding administration, highlighting issues of political favoritism and dishonesty.
