Semester 2 Unit 1: The 1920’s
Notes 1: Cultural and Social Change in Postwar America
Building up to the 1920’s: Struggles During World War I: Racism, The Great Migration, and the Flu
During World War _______, the United States experienced rapid changes in its society. Nativism
reappeared when many immigrants of _____________________ descent were targeted for their heritage.
Orchestras refused to play music by Bach, Mozart, Beethoven and other German or Austrian composers and
Germans were even _________________________ in the street. Names were also changed: German measles
became “liberty” measles and hamburgers became “Salisbury steak”; dachshunds even became
“______________________”.
What does this remind you of in our current society?
By December of 1917, the U.S. government passed the Espionage Act and the ______________ Act was
passed in May 1918. The Espionage and Sedition Acts stated that a person could be fined up to $10,000 or
sentenced to 20 years in jail for saying anything disloyal, profane, or abusive about the government or the
_______ effort. Over ____________ people were prosecuted under this law. Emma Goldman was jailed for
2 years and fined $20,000 for organizing the No Conscription League (anti-draft league). Upon being
released from jail, Goldman was deported to ____________________.
What law did this violate?
Where have we seen these types of laws before in history?
WWI also furthered large-scale population changes. The war caused a sharp increase in the numbers of
African Americans __________________ the South and relocating to the cities of the North. Driven by a
desire to escape the _________________________ South and the promise of ___________________ jobs in
the North, this population change drastically altered African American culture as they entered the
_________________ environment. This migration of African Americans out of the South and into
__________________________ cities is often referred to as The Great Migration.
One of America’s largest crises at the time was at home. In the fall of 1918, a massive _________ epidemic
struck America,known as the 1918 Flu. The flu seemed to strike those in good health and killed within days.
Cities ran out of __________________, basic services were not met since workers were sick or dying, and
doctors had almost no solution. The epidemic killed approximately __________________ Americans before
it disappeared the next year. Soldiers were particularly susceptible because of their close living quarters and
in some units, ________ of the troops died. It is estimated that the 1918 flu killed _______million people
worldwide. Both the flu and the war decimated populations and morale, but both also suddenly ended in
1919.
The 1920’s: Postwar changes - The Red Scare
In the middle of World War I, Russia underwent its __________________ Revolution. The idea of
communism frightened many Americans and appealed to others; this caused a wave of anti-Communist
activity in the U.S.
S2Unit 1: The 1920’s
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February 5-6, 2013
Semester 2 Unit 1: The 1920’s
Notes 1: Cultural and Social Change in Postwar America
Communism: a system of GOVERNMENT based on a single-party system thattries to equalize wealth and
power by putting an end to private property. Instead of private ownership of the means of
production(factories, mines, etc.), the government would own all.
Each of the following Venn Diagrams is a pair of government and economic systems. Label them
appropriately: Communism, Democracy, Capitalism, or Socialism.
Form of
government
Requires a
forceful
takeover of the
government –
a revolution
Believes in the bourgeoisie
(middle class, factory
owners) and the proletariat
(the workers). The
proletariat will rise up and
overthrow the bourgeoisie.
Economy is strongly
controlled by the
government.
The means
of producing
and
distributing
goods is
owned
collectively
Free Enterprise –
Minimal government
control of economy.
Free Market - based on
supply and demand – will
maximize consumer benefit.
Can be paired with either
economic policy.
Freedom of
individual
choice.
Majority
Rules
In its truest form – there is social
equality because everyone has one
vote.
The common people lead the
government - either directly
or by electing
representatives.
Form of government
Individuals can profit
through investing in capital.
S2Unit 1: The 1920’s
Economic system
Can be paired
with either
government
system.
A select few
exceptional individuals
lead the government.
Private
ownership
of the means
of
production. Economic System
Cooperation and
social service
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February 5-6, 2013
Semester 2 Unit 1: The 1920’s
Notes 1: Cultural and Social Change in Postwar America
Communism is in direct conflict with America’s government and economic systems. What are America’s
systems?
What candy group were you in?
What happened in your group?
Which system would you prefer?
The wave of anti-Communist activity was known as the ________________________. After the czarist
system in Russia was overthrown by Communists (who had a _____________________ and were therefore
known as “Reds”), many communists saw this as the beginning of a worldwide revolution. A Communist
_____________ formed in the U.S. and was supported by 70,000 members. Many Americans were wary of
this new party. Then, in 1919, several _____________________ were mailed to government and business
leaders. One of these was sent to U.S. Attorney General Palmer’s house. Political and business leaders began
to worry that the Communists were trying to ___________________________ the U.S.
In August 1919, Palmer organized a series of _____________________ on suspected radicals. During these
raids, possible communists were imprisoned and their belongings seized. This was a huge violation of
_______ _________________as people’s homes were invaded, suspected Communists were held without
_______________ counsel, and foreign-born radicals were deported without a trial. No
___________________ of a revolutionary conspiracy or of explosives was ever found during the Palmer
raids.
What laws did the Palmer Raids violate?
While the Red Scare fizzled out with Palmer’s failed raids, they did further the average American’s distrust
for immigrants. A resurgence of ________________________ continued through this period and negatively
impacted many lives.
After reading the text on the Palmer Raids:
1. What do the instructions for the raids reveal about Palmer’s attitudes toward Communists?
2. Think of a club or group you were in. What would you do if the government suspected members of
your club as leaders of a revolution? How would you feel?
S2Unit 1: The 1920’s
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February 5-6, 2013