The USA: A Nation of Contrasts, 1910-1929

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.