HISTORY FINAL REVIEW
T. S. Elliot: Modernist Poet. American-born British poet. "The Hollow Men" by T.S. Eliot is a haunting poem about spiritual emptiness, disillusionment, and the loss of meaning in the modern world after World War I. The poem reflects Eliot’s fear that modern humanity had lost its spiritual core and was drifting toward decay — without the passion to fight, rebuild, or even pray sincerely.
Langston Hughes: leading African American poet, novelist, and playwright of the 20th century, best known for his role in the Harlem Renaissance. “Po’ Boy Blues”captures pain and disillusionment of migration, lost love and hardship. “Dream Variation” captures a deep longing for freedom, peace, and joy, especially in the face of racial oppression.The speaker dreams of a life where they can dance, rest, and live freely under the warmth of the sun and the calm of the night.
James Weldon Johnson: African American writer, poet, educator, and civil rights leader. Prominent figure in Harlem Renaissance. "Go Down, Death" portrays death as a powerful, inevitable force that comes to take a soul to the afterlife. The speaker describes death as a messenger sent by God, arriving like a "cold shadow" to claim a person's life. The poem emphasizes the peaceful and inevitable nature of death, portraying it as a release from suffering into eternal rest.
Aimee Semple McPherson: Canadian-American evangelist, media personality. She was known for her dynamic preaching, use of radio and other media to spread her Christian message, and for building a large following through her energetic revival meetings. "Shall We Gather at the River?" comments on the gap between the ideals of Prohibition and the actions of those in power, pointing out that many who support it do not fully practice or enforce it. The passage also transitions to McPherson sharing her upcoming trip to the Holy Land, adding a spiritual dimension to her message.
Thomas Heflin: advocate for white supremacy and segregation, he was known for his vocal opposition to civil rights for African Americans. Influential in promoting conservative Southern ideals during the early 20th century. “Warning Against the “Roman Catholic Party”: Catholicism and the 1928 Election” criticizes Roman Catholic delegates at the 1924 Democratic Convention for pushing to have the Ku Klux Klan denounced, arguing that their actions were driven by religious loyalty rather than political interests. He warns that their influence, especially in supporting Al Smith's presidential campaign, threatens Protestant values and American democracy.
Prohibition Cartoons:
Charlotte Perkins Gilman: American writer, feminist, and social reformer known for her work advocating for women's rights. “Is America Too Hospitable?” criticizes America's overly generous immigration policy, arguing that the country has become too hospitable to people who don't necessarily adopt American values. She claims that while America was founded on ideals of freedom and opportunity, its current approach to immigration—focused on cheap labor—undermines its national character.
Calvin Coolidge: 30th President of the United States, serving from 1923 to 1929. Known for his quiet, conservative nature and belief in limited government, Coolidge prioritized business interests, tax cuts, and reducing government spending. “Immigration” advocates for restricting immigration to ensure that new arrivals can be assimilated into American society and become good citizens. He supports selective immigration policies and the registration of all aliens. Coolidge emphasizes that the government’s primary duty is to its own citizens, while also acknowledging humanitarian obligations. He calls for a fair approach to immigrants, focusing on character rather than birthplace, and stresses that immigration should be limited to avoid economic strain.
Madison Grant: American lawyer and eugenicist, known for his racist views on immigration and race. “America for the Americans” argues that immigration should be limited to protect American interests. He believes immigrants, particularly from non-Anglo-Saxon backgrounds, fail to assimilate and maintain foreign customs, which harms national unity and culture. (OPPOSED FRANZ)
Franz Boas: German-American anthropologist known as the father of modern anthropology. He challenged racist and ethnocentric views of his time, emphasizing the importance of cultural relativism and the idea that cultures should be understood on their own terms. “This Nordic Nonsense” argues that immigration restrictions initially stemmed from economic concerns but later shifted to racial fears about southern and eastern Europeans. He dismisses these fears, stating that racial mixing is already happening and poses no biological danger. Boas suggests that the only valid reason for restricting immigration should be based on the health of immigrants' family lines, not their nationality or race, and emphasizes the value of immigrants' cultural contributions.
Hiram Evans: American dentist and Imperial Wizard (leader) of the Ku Klux Klan (KKK) during the 1920s. “The Klan’s Fight for Americanism” claims that the Ku Klux Klan’s intolerance is about protecting American values—race, nationality, and religious freedom—against foreign influences. He argues that they oppose any foreign loyalty or political power that could undermine the country and take advantage of its opportunities. Evans proudly defends this stance as a necessary safeguard for America.
The Jazz Singer: groundbreaking film, notable for being the first full-length "talkie" with synchronized sound. It tells the story of Jakie Rabinowitz, a Jewish immigrant who defies his father’s wishes to be a cantor and instead becomes a jazz singer. The film’s significance in the 1920s lies in its representation of the cultural clash between tradition and modernity, as well as the rise of popular culture through jazz music.
John F. Carter: American social reformer and political activist in the early 20th century. He is best known for his work in advocating for immigration restriction and his views on preserving American cultural identity. “These Wild Young People’ by One of Them” criticizes the older generation for leaving behind a broken world, which his generation must now navigate. He expresses how his generation, disillusioned by war and chaos, has been forced to grow up quickly, becoming cynical realists instead of idealistic youth. This harsh reality led them to adopt a "live for today" attitude.
Robert and Helen Lynd: American sociologists best known for their study Middletown (1929), which examined life in a small town in Indiana. describe how new technologies, like automobiles and movies, have relaxed traditional restrictions on interactions between boys and girls, allowing for more freedom. They note a shift in parenting styles, with parents becoming more democratic and valuing open communication with their children. However, teenagers express frustration with feeling misunderstood or unsupported by their parents, highlighting growing generational tensions and a disconnect within families.
F. Scott Fitzgerald: famous American author of the 1920s, best known for capturing the spirit of the Jazz Age. Fitzgerald describes how the younger generation after World War I broke away from old moral codes, embracing freedom, fun, and new social behaviors, like "petting parties" and flapper culture. He explains that flappers weren't just a type of girl but a whole generation that symbolizes rebellion, energy, and a zest for life. Fitzgerald also notes that as time passed, older generations began to imitate youthful excesses, leaving young people feeling sidelined.
Stock Market Cartoons