The Roaring Twenties Flashcards

Lesson 1: Politics of the 1920s

• Vocabulary

  • Normalcy: A return to the way of life before World War I.

  • Scandal: A public outrage caused by a real or imagined wrongdoing.

  • Supply-side economics: An economic theory that lower taxes can lead to economic growth.

• Dates

  • 1920: Harding's campaign for presidency begins.

  • 1923: Warren G. Harding dies and Calvin Coolidge becomes president.

• Information

  • Warren G. Harding promised a "Return to Normalcy" after World War I. His presidency was marked by scandals, especially the Teapot Dome Scandal involving corruption among his cabinet members.

  • Calvin Coolidge took over after Harding's death and believed that lowering taxes through supply-side economics would encourage investment by people and businesses, thus growing the economy.

Lesson 2: A Growing Economy

• Vocabulary

  • Consumer credit: The ability to borrow money for purchasing goods and services.

  • Mass advertising: Marketing strategies aimed at reaching large audiences.

  • Quiet Depression: A period of economic hardships faced by farmers despite the overall booming economy.

• Dates

  • 1920s: The rise of consumer credit and advertisement in America.

• Information

  • During the 1920s, people had easier access to credit, which allowed for flashy lifestyles and many living beyond their means. Mass advertising influenced consumer choices significantly.

  • Despite the general economic boom, farmers faced struggles that contributed to a “Quiet Depression.”

Lesson 3: Clash of Values

• Vocabulary

  • Nativism: A policy that favors native inhabitants over immigrants.

  • Prohibition: The period when alcohol was banned in the United States.

  • Creationism: The belief that a divine being created life.

• Dates

  • 1920: The 18th Amendment is ratified, leading to Prohibition.

  • 1925: The Scopes-Monkey Trial occurs, challenging anti-evolution laws.

• Information

  • The 1920s witnessed an increase in nativism, reflected in the Sacco-Vanzetti case where two Italian immigrants were executed, revealing racial tensions.

  • The Ku Klux Klan targeted Jews, Catholics, and immigrants, while the Emergency Quota Acts limited immigration.

  • Prohibition, enacted by the 18th Amendment, resulted in the rise of illegal speakeasies and crime figures like Al Capone.

Lesson 4: Cultural Innovations

• Vocabulary

  • Bohemian: A lifestyle associated with artists and writers who live unconventionally.

  • Jazz: A genre of music that originated from African American communities in the early 20th century.

  • Mass media: The means of communication intended to reach a wide audience.

• Dates

  • 1927: The Jazz Singer is released as the first talking movie.

• Information

  • The 1920s was a time for artistic and cultural expression, marked by the Harlem Renaissance, where figures like Edward Hopper and Georgia O'Keeffe thrived.

  • The Jazz Singer, released in 1927, revolutionized the film industry by being the first talking movie, while famous sports figures like Babe Ruth emerged in the entertainment world.

Lesson 5: African American Culture and Politics

• Vocabulary

  • Harlem Renaissance: A cultural movement celebrating African American arts.

  • NAACP: National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, an organization aimed at fighting racial inequality.

  • Black pride: A movement encouraging pride in African American culture and identity.

• Dates

  • 1920s: The Harlem Renaissance flourishes, and African American political activism increases.

• Information

  • The Harlem Renaissance celebrated African American achievements in art, music, and literature, particularly jazz and blues.

  • African Americans became more politically involved, with organizations like the NAACP working to combat racism and inequality.

  • Marcus Garvey encouraged black pride and promoted the idea of returning to Africa to escape oppression.