Roaring 20's US History

What did Harding’s phrase “return to normalcy” mean?

Going from wartime to peacetime economy; reduce taxes; Laissez-Faire; isolationism; focus on domestic issues instead of Wilson’s “make the world safe for democracy”; stabilize economy after WWI.

Who supported Harding’s “return to normalcy”?

Big Business and Isolationists.

What were the effects of the Teapot Dome Scandal?

Illegal sale of government oil by Harding’s cabinet member (Albert Fall); led to public disappointment and mistrust of the government.

What was the effect of the assembly line?

Allowed for mass production of affordable consumer products.

Significance of Charles Lindbergh

First person to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean in the Spirit of St. Louis; became an American hero.

Significance of Marcus Garvey

Advocated for economic independence and the “Back to Africa” movement; promoted Black Nationalism and racial pride.

Significance of Henry Ford

Introduced assembly line production; produced the Model T; practiced welfare capitalism to improve worker conditions.

Significance of Langston Hughes

Harlem Renaissance writer who celebrated African American cultural pride and the fight for equality.

Significance of F. Scott Fitzgerald

Author of The Great Gatsby; highlighted materialism and social changes of the Jazz Age.

Causes of the Red Scare

Rise of Communist and radical groups; labor union strikes; immigration associated with radicalism.

Effects of the Red Scare

Rise in nativism; violations of civil liberties; fear of foreigners and radicals.

Major events of the 1920s

Women’s suffrage (19th Amendment); radio; prohibition and organized crime; movies; automobiles; Harlem Renaissance; mass consumerism; return to normalcy; nativism; race riots; KKK.

Causes of the Great Migration

Better jobs, pay, housing, and education in the North; escape from racism, Jim Crow laws, and the KKK in the South; desire for political rights.

Effects of the Great Migration

Growth of African American populations in northern cities; more economic and political opportunities; rise of the Harlem Renaissance; continued discrimination.

Significance of the Harlem Renaissance

African American poets, writers, and musicians expressed cultural pride and celebrated their heritage; promoted equality and intellectual contributions.

Impact of the rise of the KKK in the 1920s

Used violence and intimidation to limit African Americans’ civil rights, especially voting rights.

Why were immigration quotas introduced during the 1920s?

To limit immigrants from southern and eastern Europe and Asia; reflected rising nativism and anti-immigrant attitudes; increased intolerance toward non-assimilating groups.

Lasting impact of immigration quotas in the 1920s

Rise of nativism and the KKK; dramatic decline in immigration; unfair trials like Sacco and Vanzetti showed discrimination.

Who were the “flappers”?

Women who rejected traditional gender roles; wore shorter hair and dresses; symbolized freedom and modernity.

How did the role of women change during the 1920s?

Gained voting rights; greater political voice; began asserting independence in social and political life.

Why is Tin Pan Alley significant?

Center for the production of popular music; created songs for home entertainment and early mass media.

Effects of Prohibition during the 1920s

Led by the temperance movement; increased organized crime (Al Capone); rise of speakeasies and bootlegging.

Significance of the Scopes Trial

Debate over teaching evolution (Darwinism) in schools; symbolized conflict between modernism and traditionalism, science vs. religion.

Who was involved in the Scopes Trial and what were their roles?

Clarence Darrow (defended Scopes, supported evolution/science); William Jennings Bryan (prosecuted, fundamentalist supporting the Bible).