Society in the 1920s The Clash Between Traditionalism and Modernism

Guiding Question How did social, economic, and religious tensions divide America in the 1920s?

DO-NOW: How does this cartoon represent the cultural divide of the 1920s?

How did social, economic, and religious tensions divide America in the 1920s? You will be looking at different perspectives-one that favors traditionalism and another that favors modernism-on important social changes in the 1920s. You will discuss each issue from an assigned perspective. You will debate that perspective in class for each social issue.

Two sides Traditionalist Someone who believes in preserving the conservative values of the past. Modernist Someone who believes in changing society from the past in favor of focusing on new ideas and customs.

Directions: Part 1 1.Create a graphic organizer for each of the topics we will discuss. 2.Write three points based on your role. 3.Leave the opponent’s side blank. 4.You will debate with a partner against two people at your table.

Topic: Traditionalist 1. Point one. 2. Point two. 3. Point three. Modernist 1. Point one. 2. Point two. 3. Point three.

Topics of Discussion Red Scare (Warm-Up) Urban and Rural America Youth Culture and Role of Women Prohibition Scopes Trial

Directions: Part 2 1.You individually will speak at least two times. 2.You will tally the number of times the opponent speaks. 3.You will record two points from the opponent.

Scoring the Debate +1 point for any of the following: –making a valid argument that supports your group’s perspective –using a fact or Key Content Term –making an argument that counters another group’s argument –1 point for any of the following: –talking while another group is speaking –verbally attacking a person instead of his or her argument

Timed Debates Each debate will be three minutes in length. –The traditionalist starts by bringing up a point on the topic. –The modernist refutes the point. –The modernist brings up a point on the topic. –The traditionalist refutes the point. At the end of the debate, you have 1 minute to complete your notes and tally points.

Topics of Discussion The Red Scare (How should radical groups like anarchists and communists be dealt with?) Urban and Rural America (Why are cities a good place to live and/or good for the future of the economy?) Changing View of Women (Are flappers helping society’s view of women?) Prohibition (Should the prohibition laws be followed?) The Scopes Trial (Should creationism/evolution be taught in public schools?)

Red Scare: Respond as a traditionalist to the modernist statements You can’t deport people without a trial. What use is it to have a constitution if we don’t follow it? How can you hold 70,000 people responsible for what a dozen or so people are doing? The First Amendment gives people the right to free speech. On what grounds can you take that right away?

Urban and Rural America: Respond as a traditionalist to the modernist statements Cities are a place to house the growth of industry and education (ideas). Small towns are the heart of America and the best place to set the foundation for education and our economy. What are the pros and cons of each argument?

Changing View of Women: Respond as a traditionalist to the modernist statements Women gained the right to vote. Therefore, they should be treated equally in all aspects of life. How should women act? Who has the right to tell them how to act?

Prohibition: Respond as a traditionalist to the modernist statements People should have the freedom to choose how they behave. Liquor has been available and used for centuries. Why should the government ban it now? The government should not punish everyone because of the few who abuse alcohol. The government should put the effort into punishing those who break the law when they are drinking.

Scopes Trial: Respond as a traditionalist to the modernist statements John Scopes broke a state law and should be punished for it. Teachers are responsible to teach what school districts tell them to. If they don’t, they should lose their jobs. If every teacher decided to teach whatever he or she wants, there would be chaos in school.