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