31 American Life in the “Roaring Twenties” 1919-1929

Essential Questions Examine the perceived social threats that emerged in America in the 1920s and the responses to those threats. Determine the factors that led to the post-war economic prosperity and the impact that prosperity had on consumer habits and new technologies. Summarize changes that occurred during the 'roaring twenties' in terms of Americans' leisure habits, lifestyles, and cultural pursuits. Outline the economic factors that indicated the prosperity of the 1920s may not continue indefinitely.

American Prosperity

American Prosperity

American Prosperity

American Prosperity Americans prospered hugely during this time of growth and with the money delighted in consuming new products, though many were bought on credit.

Flaws in the Economy

Flaws in the Economy

Summary Problems with labor, farmers, and unequal distribution of wealth foreshadowed the economic problems of the 1930s.

Stop, summarize, question

Discuss What precursors to the Great Depression are evident from the 1920s?

Metropolitan Life

Metropolitan Life

Metropolitan Life

Metropolitan Life

Metropolitan Life

Summary Cities were the centers of modernity and saw improvements in sanitary conditions but traffic was a new problem. Suburbs were increasing with the widespread use of cars and the construction of roads and highways.

Stop, summarize, question

Discuss What nickname would you give to the 1920s?

The Jazz Age

The Jazz Age

The Jazz Age Georgia O'Keeffe - Pink Dish and Green Leaves - 1928 Charles Demuth: Welcome to our City Charles Sheeler - Criss-Crossed Conveyors, Ford Plant - 1927 Louis Lozowick - Minneapolis - 1925

The Jazz Age

The Jazz Age “A sentence which begins with ‘Science says’ will generally be found to settle any argument in a social gathering or sell any article from tooth-paste to refrigerators.”

The Jazz Age

The Jazz Age

Summary Though not embraced by everyone, the Jazz Age was the emergence of a brand new culture that was encouraged by African Americans, women, young people, and the college educated.

Stop, summarize, question

Women in the 1920s

Women in the 1920s

Summary Young women saw a way of expression through the flapper style. Middle class women saw an increase in their chores and little outlet for potential frustration.

Discuss To what extent did the media help and hurt women’s places in society during this era?

Backlash

Backlash

Backlash “The primary reason for the restriction of the alien stream…is the necessity for purifying and keeping pure the blood of America.” Congressman Robert Allen, Dem, WV

Backlash

Backlash

Backlash

Backlash The KKK and anti-immigration sentiment resulted from the potentially frightening modernity that came with the Jazz Age and continued immigration and change.

Stop, summarize, question