1. The USA: A nation of Contrasts 1910-1929
Lesson Objectives:
To gain an overview of what the USA topic is about
To develop inference skills using primary source material.

2. 3 adjectives to describe USA 3 key events in US history
AN OVERVIEW
3 adjectives to describe USA
3 key events in US history
3 key historical figures

3. A brief history of the USA:
2:58 – Schoolhouse Rock – No More Kings
13 Stripes
50 Stars

4.
Schoolhouse Rock - Elbow Room- Manifest Destiny
3:01

5. 1861 – 1865: Civil War What issue were they spilt over?

6. Federal v. State Government

7. Think…
Given the recent history of the USA prior to 1910, what do you think some of the key themes may be for our course?
Racial Tension, New Country, Rugged Individualism, State view not national views
Tip: Think Social / Economic / Political

8. Rihanna – American Oxygen
5:20
What themes / messages can you gather from this music video?

9. Inference Activity You all have a set of cards.
Read through each of them and discuss in your groups.
What key themes can you draw out of these cards.
Can you group your cards into different themes.

11. “The parties were bigger, the pace was faster, the shows were broader, the buildings were higher, the morals were looser and the liquor was cheaper.”
From Echoes of the Jazz Age
By F. Scott Fitzgerald, 1931

15. 1920
1929
Motor cars on the roads
9 million
26 million
Kilometres of roads
620,000
1 million
Radios
60,000
10 million
Telephones in homes and offices
13 million
20 million

18. “Dancing is a divorce feeder. It is heathen, animalistic and damnable
“Dancing is a divorce feeder. It is heathen, animalistic and damnable. It degrades all womanhood and manhood. Now is the time to say plainly that it is one of the most pernicious of all modern customs.”
Rev. Burke Culpepper, 1925

20. USA Topic Sheets
Topic Area #1 of 3 – The main problems and challenges facing America
Topic Area #2 of 3 – The rise and fall of the American economy
Topic Area #3 of 3 – Changes in American culture and society

21. USA Topic Sheets
Topic Area #1 of 3 – The main problems and challenges facing America
Why did immigration become such a major issue in American society?
Was America a country of religious and racial intolerance during this period?
Was the 1920s a decade of organised crime and corruption?

22. USA Topic Sheets
Topic Area #2 of 3 – The rise and fall of the American economy
What were the causes of the economic boom?
How did this prosperity affect American society?
Why did this prosperity come to a sudden end in 1929?

23. USA Topic Sheets
Topic Area #3 of 3 – Changes in American culture and society
How did popular entertainment develop during this period?
How did the lifestyle and status of women change during this period?
Why did sport and other leisure activities witness so much growth during this period?