1920s Vocabulary

18th Amendment

Prohibited the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages in the United States.

19th Amendment

Granted women the right to vote in the United States.

The New Woman

A feminist ideal that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries representing women who were more independent and engaged in public life.

The Great Migration

The movement of over six million African Americans from the rural South to urban areas in the North and West from 1916 to 1970.

Immigration Act (1921)

Limited the number of immigrants allowed entry into the United States through national origins quota.

Immigration Act (1924)

Further restricted immigration by establishing quotas based on national origins and effectively limiting Southern and Eastern European immigrants.

The New Klan (KKK)

A revival of the Ku Klux Klan in the 1920s which promoted white supremacy, nativism, and anti-immigrant sentiments.

W.E.B. DuBois

An African American sociologist, historian, and civil rights activist who co-founded the NAACP and advocated for the rights of African Americans.

The Harlem Renaissance

A cultural, social, and artistic explosion centered in Harlem during the 1920s, celebrating African American culture.

Youth Culture

The distinct culture of young people that emerged in the early 20th century, focusing on new forms of music, fashion, and social norms.

Flappers

Young women in the 1920s who embraced a lifestyle viewed as outrageous by many in society, characterized by short dresses, bobbed hair, and a carefree attitude.

Tennessee v. Scopes

A landmark legal case in 1925 where a teacher was tried for violating a Tennessee law against teaching evolution in schools.

Talkies

Films that include synchronized sound, especially spoken dialogue, marking the transition from silent films to sound films in the late 1920s.

The Wireless (Radio)

A communication technology that allowed for the wireless transmission of sound, revolutionizing broadcasting and information dissemination.

Lindbergh Flight

Refers to Charles Lindbergh's historic solo transatlantic flight in 1927, marking a significant achievement in aviation.

Red Scare

The fear of the spread of communism in the United States during the early 20th century, particularly after World War I and during the 1950s.

What were the causes of social change in the 1920s?

Key causes included the rise of industrialization, the impact of World War I, shifts in demographics with the Great Migration, technological advancements, and changing cultural norms.

What did the rise of industrialization look like in the 1920s?

It led to increased urbanization, factory jobs, and a booming economy, with people flocking to cities for work.

How did World War I contribute to social change in the 1920s?

The war resulted in changes in gender roles, as women took on jobs traditionally held by men, plus the return of veterans prompted shifts in social attitudes.

What was the Great Migration and its impact on social change?

The Great Migration involved over six million African Americans moving from the rural South to northern urban areas, leading to demographic shifts, cultural exchange, and the Harlem Renaissance.

What technological advancements influenced social change in the 1920s?

Innovations like the radio and the automobile transformed communication and mobility, shaping new social norms and leisure activities.

What cultural changes defined the 1920s?

Cultural changes included the emergence of youth culture, the flapper lifestyle, and the Harlem Renaissance, reflecting shifts in social values and norms.

What role did the Harlem Renaissance play in social change?

It celebrated African American culture through art, music, and literature, promoting racial pride and challenging stereotypes.

What were the characteristics of youth culture in the 1920s?

Youth culture featured new music styles, such as jazz, distinct fashion trends, and a more liberated social attitude, redefining social interactions and norms.

What were Flappers and what changes did they represent?

Flappers were young women who challenged traditional norms by wearing short dresses, bobbing their hair, and asserting their independence, symbolizing a shift in women's roles.