History - Unit 4 - The American Dream

Key Vocabulary For This Unit: Flapper, Mass Production, Tolerance, Prejudice, Immigration, Persecution, Accused, Prohibition And Depression.

How ‘roaring’ were the 1920s?

• Students will know that the American Dream was the idea that any and all people could be successful if they worked hard in USA. • The 1920s was a time of great change and excitement for many because of women’s rights, technology and entertainment.
• Students will know that Henry Ford created the assembly line meaning employment for many due to mass production.

Why were black people not shown any tolerance in the 1920s?

• Black people were not treated equally in the US as there was a history of slavery in the USA just 60 years before the 1920s.
• Jim Crow laws made black people’s lives become separate from White people in the USA.
• Despite the actions of the KKK, black culture and music increased during the 1920s.

Why were immigrants not shown any tolerance in the 1920s?

• America had an ‘open door’ policy in the early 1900s for immigrants to move to the USA.
• During the 1920s, Americans began to blame immigrants for stealing jobs, crime and disease.
• During the 1920s, the American government made laws to reduce the number of people allowed to enter the US as immigrants, particularly from Eastern Europe and Asia.

What can Sacco and Vanzetti tell us about the USA in the 1920s?

• Students will know that Sacco and Vanzetti were Italian immigrants who believed in Anarchism.
• They were accused of murder and armed robbery, historians believe because they were immigrants.
• The trial was seen as unfair and both Sacco and Vanzetti were executed after an unsuccessful appeal.

How did Prohibition affect life in America in the 1920s?

• Students will know that Prohibition, the banning of Alcohol, led to the rise of organised crime in America during the 1920s.
• Gangsters, like Al Capone were famous for their crimes and wealth. Some immigrants (but not all!) were involved in this illegal activity.
• Corruption was at high levels in the USA which included politicians and police officers.

How did the Wall Street Crash affect the American people from 1929?

• America was overproducing and finding it hard to sell goods in the USA and abroad.
• The Wall Street Crash caused the failing of many businesses and companies, which caused a Depression.
• The Great depression seen millions of people become unemployed, homeless and desperate – they struggled to survive with little support from the government.

Did everyone experience the American Dream in the USA during the early 1900s?

No, not everyone experienced the American Dream in the USA during the early 1900s. While some individuals achieved prosperity and success, many faced significant barriers such as poverty, discrimination, and limited opportunities, particularly among immigrants, women, and racial minorities. The American Dream was often more accessible to certain groups than others.