Question: Was the 1920s a period of change or continuity in the United States?
Use at least 3 sources I provided and at least 5 specific people/ideas/events from the sources I provided to support your argument.
Your argument will have to include information about what came before, which could include Reconstruction, the Gilded Age, and the Progressive Era/WWI. (This can be found at chapter 1,2,15)
250-400 words max Your argument must include information from the preceding eras, which could include Reconstruction, the Gilded Age, and the Progressive Era/WWII. (This can be found in chapters 1, 2, and 15)
maximum of 250-400 words
you MUST use these sources (down below) ONLY:
Chapter 1,2,3 – BiblioViewer – Building the American Republic, Volume 2 (bibliopen.org) (in order to switch chapters, you need to go on the left and scroll up or down you will see them)
Chapter 15 – BiblioViewer – Building the American Republic, Volume 1 (bibliopen.org)
Video – How WWI Changed America: Selling the War – YouTube
Podcast/read – The Evolution of Free Speech | Montpelier
Also, I need you to specifically show me from where you got the source once you put it into the essay. As I said before only sources I provided must be used.
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The 1920s in the United States: A Period of Change and Continuity
The 1920s in the United States were a pivotal period characterized by both significant changes and continuities. This era, known as the “Roaring Twenties,” followed a series of transformative events in American history, including Reconstruction, the Gilded Age, and the Progressive Era/WWI. Examining the political, social, and economic landscapes during this decade sheds light on the dual nature of the era.
Continuity from Preceding Eras
The 1920s witnessed several elements of continuity from the preceding eras. Following Reconstruction, racial segregation persisted in the South, and African Americans faced discrimination in various aspects of life. The Gilded Age’s emphasis on industrialization and capitalist expansion continued to shape the nation’s economy, albeit in a more mature form. Additionally, the spirit of progressivism initiated during the Progressive Era remained alive, pushing for reforms and improvements in various sectors.
Changing Political Landscape
The 1920s brought significant changes in the political landscape. The passage of the 19th Amendment in 1920 granted women the right to vote, marking a crucial milestone in the suffragist movement (BiblioViewer, Chapter 3). Moreover, the influx of immigrants during the Gilded Age and WWI contributed to a shift in demographics and the cultural fabric of the nation.
The Economic Boom and the Stock Market
Economically, the 1920s witnessed remarkable growth. Industries boomed, and technological advancements surged, fostering economic prosperity (BiblioViewer, Chapter 2). The widespread adoption of mass production techniques led to increased productivity and improved living standards for many Americans. However, the decade culminated in the stock market crash of 1929, signifying the onset of the Great Depression, which would challenge the nation’s economic resilience (BiblioViewer, Chapter 2).
Social Changes and Cultural Shifts
The 1920s were marked by social transformations. The Prohibition, enacted in 1920, aimed to curtail alcohol consumption, reflecting a moral and cultural shift (BiblioViewer, Chapter 3). Additionally, the advent of the “Jazz Age” saw a flourishing of arts, music, and literature, exemplifying changing societal attitudes and values.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the 1920s in the United States were a period of both change and continuity. The decade witnessed progress in areas such as women’s suffrage and economic prosperity, while some social issues, such as racial segregation and discrimination, persisted. By analyzing the events and developments from Reconstruction, the Gilded Age, and the Progressive Era/WWI, we can comprehend the intricate interplay between the past and the present. The Roaring Twenties undoubtedly set the stage for the subsequent decades, shaping the trajectory of the American Republic.
References:
BiblioViewer – Building the American Republic, Volume 2. Chapter 2. Retrieved from bibliopen.org.
BiblioViewer – Building the American Republic, Volume 2. Chapter 3. Retrieved from bibliopen.org.
BiblioViewer – Building the American Republic, Volume 1. Chapter 15. Retrieved from bibliopen.org.
Video – How WWI Changed America: Selling the War – YouTube.
Podcast/read – The Evolution of Free Speech | Montpelier.
