Honors U.S. History
THE 1920s: A CLASH OF MODERNISM and TRADITIONALISM
You will become an historical figure from the 1920s and address the following:
WHY DO YOU BEST REPRESENT THE DECADE OF THE 1920s?
Delve into this challenge by exploring your life experiences & beliefs. How do they connect
to the key ideas, events, or 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.
STEPS.
CHARACTER RESEARCH & 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 (NOT LATER!)
• actions, 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); ensure you gain a sense of both the relevant forces
of modernism and of traditionalism
REVIEW THE BURNING ISSUES OF THE DECADE: “Big Picture” Context.
(as they relate to your historical figure of the 1920s)
How did WWI affect the decade?
What ideas and trends shaped the political climate?
Were the 1920s a generation of hedonists whose follies led to the erosion of honorable
American ideals and habits, or fun-loving adventurers with a desire to escape the past,
embrace new ideas, and reject the status quo?
The 1920s were a time of great change for women, African Americans, and immigrants – but
how do we evaluate these changes?
The 1920s have been dubbed, “the decade of prosperity.” How accurate is this statement?
Sources: at least 5 sources, 2 of which must be scholarly (in-depth, provide interpretation);
primary documents are strongly encouraged as well as use of outside libraries.
DEBATE OF THE DECADE.
Prepare a typed formal outline with citations to organize and present your research.
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 hopefully argue their points with
evidence & energy. Your goal: convincingly argue why YOU best represent the 1920s.
Thus, you must demonstrate your knowledge of BOTH the person and the decade.
ANALYTIC ESSAY: WRESTLING WITH THE CONTRADICTIONS.
In an analytic essay, argue why you best represent the decade.
Expectations:
support your thesis with specific evidence from your research
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 (i.e., this is NOT a biographical essay; instead articulate your
understanding of the decade through this person and the relevant trends; be sure
to reflect both the forces of modernism and of traditionalism)
include yourself as well as at least 2 other historical figures from the debate in your
analysis; the ‘other historical figures’ should be brief
typed, double-spaced, 12 point font, Times New Roman; 3-4 pages maximum;
MLA CITATIONS
typed annotated bibliography
Our Nominees:
Charles Lindbergh
Gertrude Ederle
Babe Ruth
Clara Bow
Charlie Chaplin
Rudolph Valentino
Gloria Swanson
Mary Pickford
Aimee Semple McPherson
Al Capone
Clarence Darrow
Sacco or Vanzetti
WEB DuBois
Marcus Garvey
Langston Hughes
Billy Sunday
Jack Johnson
Ernest Hemingway
Zora Neale Hurston
F. Scott Fitzgerald
Duke Ellington
Bessie Smith
Louis Armstrong
Georgia O’Keeffe
Aaron Douglas
Sinclair Lewis
Calvin Coolidge
Warren G Harding
Henry Ford
William Jennings Bryan
A. Mitchell Palmer
Andrew Mellon
H.L. Mencken
Jack Dempsey