The 1920's

Review Questions Chapter 23

1. The 1920's is view as a time of economic well being for the U.S.. How does the story of John and Lizzie Parker fit in idea of a time of economic well being?

2. What was the "Red Scare"? What was the Ku Klux Klan against? Who supported the Klan?

3. What were the signs of prosperity in the 1920's? In what ways did the structure and practice of business change during this period?

4. How did the new technology of the era, especially in the areas of electricity and communications, transform American society? What was the significance of automobile manufacturing and the automobile itself on the American economy and society in the 1920's?

5. What was going on in the popular arts; films, music, and other areas that entertainment?

6. How did the Red Scare, the rise of the Ku Klux Klan, and the Sacco and Vanzetti case and the Scopes Trial illustrate the fears and tensions of the early 1920's? What were the immigration quotas pasted by Congress? Why did the quotas come about? Why do so many people from Mexico come to the U.S. during this time?

7. How did the lives of Black Americans change geographically, economically, and culturally during this time? What did Marcus Garvey try to do and why is he important? What was the Harlem Renaissance all about? Which writers of the Harlem Renaissance have you read?

8. Who were the "lost generation"? What did they feel about the United States and World War I? How was this feeling shown in where they lived and what they wrote about? What one of these writes do you like?

9. What was a flapper? What was life like for woman? How were farmers doing? Why?

10. Describe and explain why and how the this decade was marked by clashes over social and cultural values.

11. How widespread was the prosperity of the 1920's, particularly among farmers, and workers?
12. Why did the Republican party so dominate the national politics throughout the 1920's, even with the first Republican presidential administration racked by serious scandals? How did Harding and Coolidge see the role of the federal government? What are the results of these policies? How would you assess their presidencies? What actions characterized American foreign policy during this period?

13. Why would you like many others have voted for Herbert Hoover in the 1928 election?