The “Roaring ‘20s”
In this online investigation, you and a small group will explore
key social changes and events of the 1920s. Using the link under
the “Online Activities,” complete the following questions. When
you’re finished, you should be able to answer the prompt: The
1920s have been characterized as a decade of economic, social,
and cultural change. Analyze the extent to which the First
World War and consumerism affected U.S. society during this
period.
Part I: Politics in the “Return to Normalcy”
Using “Link 1,” explain the change in presidential policies and actions during the post-WWI years.
President and
Important Policies
Political Party
Warren G. Harding
(
Scandals or Problems
)
Calvin Coolidge
(
)
Herbert Hoover
(
)
1. Why were the Democrats “dysfunctional” during the 1920s? Why did they lose so many voters?
2. Why did third parties emerge during the 1920s? Who were their main supporters and why?
Part II: The Age of Amendments
Read the materials under “Link 2,” then complete the following organizer.
Amendment (date)
16th (
)
th
17 (
)
18th (
)
th
19 (
)
th
20 (
)
21st (1933)
Purpose
Repeal of Prohibition due to increased crime and
frequent violation of the laws nationwide.
Watch the video and read the article under “Link 3 and Link 4” and answer the following questions
3. What underground activities arose as part of Prohibition? Why?
Part III: Cultural Revolutions and “100 Percent Americanism”
Use “Link 5 and Link 6” to help you answer the following questions.
4. How did gender roles change during the 1920s for women? Why did these changes happen?
5. How did peacetime production change American culture? What did consumerism have to do with this?
Consumerism—
Use “Link 7, Link 8, and Link 9” to help you answer the following questions.
6. What was the purpose of the Scopes “Monkey” Trial? What effect did it have on schools and popular culture?
7. How did religion change during the 1920s? Explain the difference between modernist and fundamentalist
Christianity during this period.
8. Why did nativism re-emerge during the 1920s?
Nativism—
9. What were some of the legislative acts passed during the 1920s meant to limit immigration to the U.S.? List
and briefly describe THREE.
10. What was the “Red Scare”? Explain the relationship of the following to the “Red Scare:
A. Richard Palmer/ “Palmer Raids”
Sacco and Vanzetti case (1921-1927)
Part IV: “Boom and Bust”
Use “Link 10” to help you answer the following questions.
11. What led to the growth and decline of the U.S. economy during the 1920s?
Economic Prosperity
Economic Disaster
Contributing factors,
people, events…