The Roaring 20's:

Question 1

The 19th Ammendment:

Answer 1

The 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution, ratified in 1920, guarantees all American women the right to vote, prohibiting any state or the federal government from denying or abridging this right based on sex. It effectively extended the franchise to women, a significant step in the long struggle for women’s suffrage.

Question 2

New Technology:

Answer 2

The Roaring Twenties saw a surge in new technologies, transforming American life. This period saw the rise of mass production, including the automobile, with the Ford Model T becoming a symbol of the era. Radio broadcasting revolutionized communication, becoming a ubiquitous presence in homes. Other key advancements included the development of electric appliances, silent films, and early forms of television.

Question 3

Birth of a Nation:

Answer 3

The Birth of a Nation sought to erase any memories of the role of African Americans and the unity they forged with whites to bring democracy to Southern states. The film’s lesson: Race relations must remain in the hands of those who once owned, “understood,” and controlled black people.

Question 4

Red Scare:

Answer 4

The “Red Scare” refers to a period of intense fear of communism and socialism in the United States, particularly following the World War I and post-World War II eras. It’s characterized by public hysteria, accusations of disloyalty, and government crackdowns on suspected communists and socialists. Two main Red Scares are recognized: the First Red Scare (1917-1920) and the Second Red Scare (1940s-1950s).

Question 5

Changes for Women:

Answer 5

The Roaring Twenties brought significant changes for women, including gaining the right to vote, entering the workforce in greater numbers, and enjoying more freedom in their personal lives. While these advancements were substantial, real equality remained elusive, with women facing persistent challenges and barriers.

Question 6

Red Summer:

Answer 6

“Red Summer” refers to the period of racial violence and riots that occurred in the summer and fall of 1919 throughout the United States. The term was coined by James Weldon Johnson, a civil rights activist, to describe the widespread and brutal violence against Black people.

Question 7

Prohibition:

Answer 7

Prohibition in the United States refers to the nationwide ban on the production, importation, transportation, and sale of alcoholic beverages from 1920 to 1933, enacted through the 18th Amendment to the Constitution. This era, also known as the “Prohibition Era,” was a response to the temperance movement, which aimed to curb alcohol consumption and its perceived negative impacts on society.

Question 8

Harlem Renaissance:

Answer 8

The Harlem Renaissance was a vibrant cultural movement centered in Harlem, New York City, during the 1920s and 1930s. It saw a flourishing of African American literature, music, art, and intellectual life, marking a golden age for African American creativity. This period, fueled by the Great Migration of African Americans to northern cities, provided a space for artists to explore Black identity, culture, and experiences.