Twentieth and Twenty-First Centuries Unit Interactive
Notes
Twentieth and Twenty-First Centuries Unit Interactive Notes Table of Contents….89
Illustrations: From an Agricultural to Industrial Virginia….90
Notes: From an Agricultural to Industrial Virginia….91
Illustrations: Important Virginians Impact the World…92
Notes: Important Virginians Impact the World…93
Illustrations: Civil Rights Movement…94
Notes: Civil Rights Movement…95
Illustrations: Famous Figures of Virginia in the 20th and 21st Centuries…96
Notes: Famous Figures of Virginia in the 20th and 21st Centuries…97
Illustrations: Virginia Advances….98
Notes: Virginia Advances….99
Twentieth and Twenty-First Centuries Unit Dump Your Brain….100
From an Agricultural to Industrial Virginia
Virginia’s economy changed during the early twentieth century. It
became difficult to make money agriculturally because old systems of
farming were no longer working and crop prices were low. Therefore,
many people moved from rural areas, or country land to urban areas, or
cities, for economic opportunities.
Virginia’s cities began to grow rapidly because of the technology
developments in transportation, railroads, roads, and streetcars. Coal
mining spurred the growth of Virginia’s towns and cities as people moved
from the countryside to find jobs.
People have moved to Virginia from many other states and nations.
During the 20th century, Northern Virginia experienced growth due to
increases in the number of federal jobs located in the region. In the late
20th century and the early 21st century, Northern Virginia and the Coastal
Plain (Tidewater) region have grown due to computer technology.
Important Virginians Impact the World
Two famous Virginians were important national and international
leaders. They were Woodrow Wilson and George C. Marshall.
Woodrow Wilson was a 20th century president. He wrote a plan
for world peace.
George C. Marshall was a military leader. He created an
economic plan to ensure world peace.
Civil Rights Movement
After WWII, African Americans demanded civil rights, or rights of
equality and freedom. They wanted desegregation, or the abolishment
of racial segregation, and integration, or the full equality of all races in
the use of public facilities, to occur. Due to the Civil Rights Movement,
changes occurred in Virginia.
In order for segregation to end and integration to occur, the US
Supreme Court ruled in 1954, in the Brown vs. Board of Education
court case, that “separate, but equal” public schools were
unconstitutional. Due to this court case, all public schools in Virginia and
across the country were ordered to desegregate.
Virginia’s government did not like the idea of desegregation and
generated a policy of Massive Resistance, which fought to resist the
integration of schools. Some Virginia schools even closed so they
wouldn’t have to integrate. Eventually, the policy of Massive Resistance
failed and all of Virginia’s public schools were integrated.
Famous Figures of Virginia in the 20th and 21st Centuries
There were many contributions made to Virginia by people in the
20th and 21st centuries. These contributions brought about political,
social, and/or economic changes that helped improve life for all
Americans.
Maggie L. Walker was the first African American woman to
establish and become a bank president in the United States.
Harry F. Byrd, Sr., as governor of Virginia, was known for a “Pay
As You Go” policy, which would improve Virginia’s roads. He also
modernized Virginia’s state government, making the government do a
better job at accomplishing tasks, but using less money to do it.
Unfortunately, Byrd is also known for leading a Massive Resistance
Movement against the desegregation of public schools.
Oliver W. Hill, Sr., was a lawyer and civil rights leader who
worked for equal rights of African Americans. He played a key role in the
Brown vs. Board of Education decision.
Arthur R. Ashe was the first African American winner of a major
men’s tennis singles championship. He was also an author and eloquent
spokesperson for social change.
A. Linwood Holton, Jr., as governor of Virginia, promoted racial
equality, and appointed more African Americans and women to positions
in state government than previous governors.
L. Douglas Wilder, as governor of Virginia, was the first African
American to be elected a state governor in the United States.
Virginia Advances
To this day, people migrate to Virginia due to advances in
transportation, communications, and technology. Virginia industries also
produce goods and services for the entire United States. These advances
in transportation, communications, technology, and industries are causing
Virginia to grow economically.
Virginia’s transportation system (highways, railroads, and air
transportation) contribute to Virginia’s economic growth because they
move raw materials to factories and finished products to markets. Virginia
exports agricultural and manufactured products including tobacco, poultry,
coal, and large ships.
Virginia has a large number of communications and other
technology industries that contribute to Virginia’s economic growth
because these industries provide jobs for Virginians and produce products
for Virginians to use.
Tourism is a major part of Virginia’s industry because it brings
visitors to Virginia. Once in Virginia, these visitors spend money,
contributing to Virginia’s economic growth.
Since many federal workers live and/or work in Virginia, the federal
government has a significant impact on Virginia’s economy because these
federal workers pay taxes on their homes or for work. These taxes are
paid to Virginia, which helps our economy grow.