Unit 7 - 1920s through the Great Depression

Evolution

Theory created by Charles Darwin that species evolve over time. This idea was in conflict with Christianity in the 1920s.

Quotas

A set number, or limit. In the 1920s, there was a limit to the number of immigrants that could come to the United States.

Nativism

Policy of favoring native-born Americans over immigrants. This is often in response to an influx of immigrants coming to the US.

Immigration

When people move to another country. Between 1890 - 1924, tens of millions of immigrants came to the US for economic opportunities (Jobs - pull factor).

Public Works

A series of government programs to provide jobs to Americans during the Great Depression.

New Deal

President Franklin Roosevelt's (FDR) plan to combat the Great Depression. This consisted of relief, recovery, and reform to prevent another depression of that size.

Relief

Government policy of providing jobs for unemployed Americans during the Great Depression.

Unemployment

The % of people who are actively looking for a job. During the Great Depression, this reached as high as 25% of 1 out of 4 people.

Depression

Severe economic downturn with high unemployment.

Laissez-Faire

Government policy of keeping its 'hands off' the economy, coined by Adam Smith in his book, The Wealth of Nations.

Bootlegging

The illegal selling of alcohol during prohibition of the 1920s.

Flappers

Women of the 1920s that challenged traditional gender norms. These women drank, smoked, danced, and wore shorter dresses.