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1920’s Study Guide
Part 1. Use 8 words in a complete sentence showing you understand the definition. Underline the word
used. Do not use the definition in each sentence.
1. Answers will vary.
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Part II. Answer each question in a complete sentence.
9. What was the Scopes Trial about? What was important about it?
The Scopes Trial was about evolution versus religion in teaching in schools. It was important because
it tested out a state law regarding teaching evolution in schools.
10. What was Prohibition and why did it not work?
Prohibition was when it was illegal to make, sell , and drink alcohol. It did not work because people
did it anyways even though it was against the law.
11. What did the 18th Amendment do? The 19th Amendment?
The 18th Amendment was Prohibition. The 19th Amendment was women’s right to vote.
12. What was the Harlem Renaissance?
The Harlem Renaissance was a time when artists, authors, musicians, etc flourished in Harlem NY.
13. Describe the behavior of a flapper.
A flapper was a woman who challenged what society expected her to be. She would wear shorter
dresses, bob her hair, smoke, drink, and hang out in bars.
14. What does margin buying mean?
Buying on margin means you borrow some of the money.
15. What were some of the new technologies in the 1920’s?
Some new technologies of the 1920’s were the radio, car, airplanes, new medicines, and movies with
sound.
16. How did sports change?
Sports changed by becoming more popular. More Americans wanted to spend their time watching
sports.
17. Describe how manners and morals changed at this time.
Americans challenged manners and morals in the 1920’s. The best example of this is the behavior of a
flapper.
18. Who were Nicola Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti? What were they accused of and what
happened to them?
Nicola Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti were Italian immigrants who were accused of a robbery and
murder. They were found guilty and got the death penalty.
19. How was A. Mitchell Palmer able to restrict immigration?
A. Mitchell Palmer was able to restrict immigration by using the Alien and Sedition Acts. This was a
Red Scare and in the manner of a short time he arrested many people.
20. Why were Alice Paul and other American women picketing the White House in 1917?
Alice Paul and other American women were picketing the White House in 1917 because they wanted
voting rights.
21. What was a speakeasy? What was a bootlegger? How did these lead to organized crime?
A speakeasy was an illegal bar. A bootlegger was one who snuck things that were illegal such as
alcohol in their boots. These led to organized crime due alcohol being illegal, the amount of money
that could be made, and the demand that Americans wanted it.
22. How did movies change?
Movies now had sound.
23. “The Roaring Twenties were a wonderful time for Americans.” Explain why you agree or disagree
with this statement.
Answers will vary.
24. Do the years of this unit, the 1920’s, represent an advance or setback for the rights of Americans
guaranteed under the First Amendment to the Constitution?
Answers will vary.