Twenties Debate - US History Honors
Transformation and Tradition in the Jazz Age or I'm more synecdochic than you!
The Twenties is many a cultural historian's favorite decade. Challenge, change and complacency
vied for dominance in US culture. Your job will be to become a historical figure from the
Twenties and address the following question:
WHO BEST REPRESENTS THE DECADE OF THE 1920s?
Delve into this challenge by exploring your life experiences and beliefs. How do they connect to
the key ideas, events, and trends of the decade? You must build a strong case so that you can
engage in a spirited debate with others who also claim this high honor.
1. REVIEW THE BURNING ISSUES OF THE DECADE: Big Picture Context.
How did WWI affect the decade?
What ideas and trends shaped the political climate? How did Progressivism, modernism and
traditionalism fare in the Twenties?
Was Twenties social culture characterized by a generation of hedonists whose follies led to
the erosion of honorable American ideals and habits? Is Twenties culture better described as
an embrace of new ideas and a rejection of an outmoded the status quo?
The 1920s were a time of great change for women, African Americans, and immigrants – but
how do we evaluate these changes? How significant were they?
The 1920s have been dubbed “the decade of prosperity.” How accurate is this statement?
2. CHARACTER RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT.
In order to embody your character fully, research to understand:
• chronology of key events in your life (childhood, family, career, accomplishments,
struggles) up to 1930
• beliefs and values, especially as they relate to the ‘burning issues’ of the decade
• historical context in terms of how you ‘fit’ into the decade (i.e., connections to other
historical figures, events, or trends)
• look for examples of your authentic voice - how did you speak and write?
Annotated Bibliography describing: 5 sources minimum: at least 2 scholarly, at least one
primary document
3. DEBATE OF THE DECADE.
Prepare a typed formal outline with citations to organize and present your argument.
In character and in costume (required), you will engage in a lively and spirited debate with
others from the past. Everyone is expected to speak, and argue their points with evidence and
energy. Your goal: convince the majority of your group that YOU best represent the
1920s. Debates will conclude with a vote for class winner and cash prizes.
4. ANALYTIC ESSAY: WRESTLING WITH THE CONTRADICTIONS.
After the debate, in an analytic essay, argue who best represents the decade.
Expectations:
- support your thesis with specific evidence from your research
- include at least 3 historical figures from the debate in your analysis
- demonstrate your understanding of the important trends, events, & ideas of the 1920s;
however, be selective so it is not a laundry list, but instead an insightful exploration
- typed, double-spaced, 3-4 pages maximum; MLA CITATIONS
- typed annotated bibliography
Our Nominees:
Charles Lindbergh
Clara Bow
Aimee Semple McPherson
Al Capone
Calvin Coolidge
WEB DuBois
Ernest Hemingway
Aaron Douglas
JP Morgan, Jr.
Mabel Willebrandt
HL Mencken
Babe Ruth
Herbert Hoover
Rudolph Valentino
William Jennings Bryan
A Mitchell Palmer
Langston Hughes
Louis Armstrong
Georgia O'Keeffe
Andrew Mellon
Roy Olmsted
William Monroe Trotter
Gertrude Ederle
Charlie Chaplin
Mary Pickford
Sacco or Vanzetti
Warren Harding
Clarence Darrow
Henry Ford
Marcus Garvey
F. Scott Fitzgerald
Wayne Wheeler
Jack Johnson
Gloria Swanson
Hiram Wesley Evans
Elliott Ness
Zora Neale Hurston
Al Smith
Sinclair Lewis
Bruce Barton
Bessie Smith
Billy Sunday
Pierre S DuPont
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