THE “ROARING TWENTIES”

STANDARDS SSUSH15 The student will analyze the origins and impact of U.S. involvement in World War I. d. Describe passage of the Eighteenth Amendment, establishing Prohibition, and the Nineteenth Amendment, establishing woman suffrage. SSUSH16 The student will identify key developments in the aftermath of WW I. b. Identify Henry Ford, mass production, and the automobile. c. Describe the impact of radio and the movies. d. Describe modern forms of cultural expression; include Louis Armstrong and the origins of jazz, Langston Hughes and the Harlem Renaissance, Irving Berlin, and Tin Pan Alley.

A BOOMING ECONOMY

HENRY FORD Henry Ford – car manufacturer who transformed the American production process Mass Production – rapid manufacture of large numbers of identical products Model T – first automobile to be widely produced; easily affordable to most American families Assembly line – arrangement of equipment and workers in which work passes from operation to operation in direct line until the product is assembled.

A BUSTLING ECONOMY The 1920’s saw a “consumer revolution”- many new, affordable goods became available to the public Investors and banks looking to make even more profit began to offer credit to more individuals than ever before – “Buy Now, Pay Later!” Bull Market – period of soaring stock prices Buying on Margin – paying as little as 10% down on stock purchases; $10 could buy $100 of stock The decade saw the accumulation of material wealth for average Americans unlike any period before or since.

PROHIBITION

TEMPERANCE MOVEMENT GAINS GROUND In the late 1800s, progressives began to vehemently take on the issue of temperance in the United States once again. Supporters of temperance argued that alcohol consumption led to violence aimed at women and children, tearing families apart. Even industrialists like Henry Ford and Andrew Carnegie would support the temperance movement, arguing that alcohol consumption reduces the output of its workers. Organizations formed to fight the evils of saloons throughout the country. Some of these organizations include the Women’s Christian Temperance Union (WCTU) and the Anti-Saloon League. The goal of these temperance groups was a Constitutional amendment that would establish Prohibition: a nation-wide ban on alcohol consumption

Carrie Nation and Her Infamous Hatchet (Temperance Movement, late 1800s)

Anti-Saloon League Rally

THE ROAD TO PROHIBITION Those who opposed Prohibition (known as the “Wets”) argued that the sale of alcohol benefited the nation by bringing in millions in excise taxes for the country. This notion lost its power with the passage of the 16 th amendment, which established a national income tax. This new national income tax was heavily supported by “dry” politicians and temperance organizations. In the 1910s, the Prohibition debate dominated US politics. Supporters of Prohibition tended to be rural, native-born white Americans. Opposition to Prohibition grew from the booming immigrant populations in urban centers, specifically Irish Catholics, Italians, Germans and Eastern European Jews. But when war was declared on Germany in 1917, many were convinced a ban on alcohol was essential to differentiate US citizens from a German culture heavily reliant on spirits.

PASSAGE OF THE 18 TH AMENDMENT In 1919, riding a wave of anti-German sentiment in the United States, the 18 th amendment was ratified by the necessary 2/3 of the states. Specifically the 18 th amendment outlawed the “manufacture, distribution and sale” of intoxicating liquors. Subsequently, the Volstead Act was passed by Congress to help enforce Prohibition throughout the country.

Ratified in December 1933, the 21 st amendment would repeal Prohibition.

WOMEN’S SUFFRAGE ATTAINED

WOMEN GAIN THE RIGHT TO VOTE Throughout the late 1800s and early 1900s, women began playing a more vital role in state and national politics. Women played a vital role in not only the temperance movement, the anti-temperance movement but also the domestic war effort during World War I. In response, Congress adopted the 19 th amendment to the Constitution granting suffrage for women. The amendment was ratified in August of 1920 after 2/3 of the states approved

CULTURAL EXPRESSION IN THE 1920S

RADIO AND MOTION PICTURES REVOLUTIONIZE POPULAR CULTURE -With the boom of the economy, more money flowed into the pockets of everyday citizens. -This extra income allowed Americans to purchase radios and telephones and attend social events and motion picture theaters. -Radios accelerated the development of product commercialism, provided immediate access to breaking news and broadcasts the latest music fads. -Before radio and movies politicians were the celebrities of the day. Now radio personalities, movie stars and athletes become celebrities.

THE JAZZ AGE The 1920s saw the emergence of jazz onto the American cultural plain. Many historians argue that jazz is the first truly “American” form of music. Jazz originated in the South, specifically in New Orleans, Memphis and other delta communities. Considered a mixture of musical traditions brought from African slave customs and western musical instruments. Jazz would dominate the landscape of nightclubs and speakeasies during Prohibition. Louis Armstrong – most famous jazz musician of the era

THE HARLEM RENAISSANCE Centered around the neighborhood of Harlem in New York City, the Harlem Renaissance was an “explosion” of African American poetry, art and literature Langston Hughes – most famous African American writer of the era This increase in African American literature and expression led to a new cultural identity for an entire race. It exposed white culture to thoughts and feelings of the black community leading to further understanding of racial differences.

TIN PAN ALLEY Tin Pin Alley – collection of New York music composers and producers who dominated the music industry at the turn of the 20 th century Piano bars and night time “hot spots” clustered around lower Manhattan in New York City increased demand for newly penned music and lyrics. Popularity of “Tin Pan” declined with the rise of popular music via radio airplay.

IRVING BERLIN Considered by many to be one of the greatest songwriters of all time. Penned such classics as: “Blue Skies” “White Christmas” God Bless America”