...The tension that was characteristic of the 1920’s came from a clash between traditional values and new progressive ideals. This manifested from new developments in commercial ideals, technology, and a new emerging ideal of the expression of "self" in society. The rapidly expanding industry which was consumer goods spearheaded the changes within the American home, especially technology. Furthermore many people were torn by the identification of the self in this new society; to identify with the newer progressive ideals or to hold steadfast to the traditional, victorian ideals which they held so sacred. The division between the progressive, secular, urban northern way of thinking and the traditional, christian, rural, southern mind set are what...
Words: 1031 - Pages: 5
...back in the 1920s. They had made massive income, selling weapons to other countries during World War I. Everybody was profiting, but this nation was undergoing many, many, changes in this era as well. Since the Civil War the southern states had fallen behind to the north in education, but had somewhat recovered in terms of materials. As Americans began to move into larger cities and areas, often to the Northeast, and society became more urbanized, it would seem very reasonable for new ideas to begin emerging; popping up and taking effect. And one of these specific philosophies was the idea of modernism, with things such as changes to education, and making education mandatory. The US was...
Words: 1854 - Pages: 8
...era of the 1920’s sparked new ideas and perspectives in American people. Some considered this to be a development that would help to shape the nation; while others were concerned that traditional ideals and values would be lost with the changing times. The post – war time period in America was one of great controversy, with modernism on one side and conventionalism on the other. As America journeyed through the 1920’s, a power struggle between conservatives and liberals came to light due to the past events of World War I, the Progressive Era, and the Industrial Revolution. This tension was shown with a shift in viewpoints about immigration, foreign diplomacy, women’s role in the country, and the social aspects of American life. World War I had been a war unlike any other that America had been involved in thus far. It shed the archaic beliefs of isolationism and put the nation in a global spotlight as a major world super power. However, a portion of America still believed in seclusion, as shown when America chose not to join the League of Nations after much controversy in the Senate over the ratification of the post – war Treaty of Versailles in 1919. This was the first strike of tension in America due to the war effort. Additionally, the “Red Scare”, caused by Communism in Russia during the “Great War”, changed citizens’ ideas about immigrants. The once open - minded, diversified nation now began to adopt the theory of “Americanism.” Many wanted majority of Americans to solely...
Words: 865 - Pages: 4
...American cultural development has not always been on the side of promoting diversity, freedom and equality for all. During the era between 1880 and 1920 there were extremist groups that took bold steps to enforce their unique agendas. America allowed 25 million immigrants into this country permanently transforming generations for decades and even the identity of this country today. The many different origins of the men, women and children created a lot of societal challenges and cultural tension. Most that came into the US were Germans, Britain’s, Jews, Chinese and Italians. This courageous move for many paid off in many ways, but mostly through financial means when compared to the countries in which they left. But as in all good things that transpire through freedom and opportunity, so does evil, greed and prejudice. The mafia was born out of the poor Italian ghettos. It spread across vast cities and eventually across states. It got a lot of its momentum and growth because of prohibition. In addition to the mafia networks of crime and evil, the Klu Klux Klan continued to drive it’s hatred of African Americans promoting racism and anger and was able...
Words: 882 - Pages: 4
...The American society has changed drastically from 1920 to present day 2014. Over the last 100 years there has been transformations in lots of things which has changed the way America is viewed today. There has been many major culture booms such as the type of clothing worn, the music that is produced,the way different races are treated and multiple other reasons. The 1920’s, sometimes referred to as the roaring twenties were characterized by economic prosperity and tremendous social,artistic, and cultural dynamism.The twenties witnessed the large scale of cars, telephones, motion pictures and electricity. The demand and aspirations bought out significant changes in lifestyle and culture. Popular culture in the 1920’s was characterized by the innovation in film, radio, music, fashion, dance, literature and intellectual movements.The 20’s was often referred to as the “Jazz Age”, Jazz music experienced a dramatic surge in popularity.George Gerswin wrote Rhapsody in blue And in American in Paris. Eddie Lang and Joe Ventuiti While the first musicians to incorporate the guitar and Violin into jazz.Dance clubs became extremely popular.Dances such as the waltz, foxtrot ,and the tango were the most popular.There was a variety of novelty dances during this period which were the break way,and he lindy hop, which eventually evolved into the swing.Before world war one woman started to migrate towards the cities,during world war two they started to work in factories.After WWI woman found...
Words: 1703 - Pages: 7
...Vega Instructor’s Name Class Information April 7, 2014 Human Rights in the 1920’s “Human Rights” refer to the basic rights and freedoms that all humans are entitled to including the right to life, equality before the law and freedom of expression. Human rights provide equality and fairness and recognize the people’s choice of freedom. Every human has the right to live free from fear, harassment or discrimination. During the 1920’s women’s rights, immigration, and racism were the biggest topics in human rights. Women’s rights were paramount in the 1920’s. The 19th Amendment was passed by Congress on June 4, 1919 and ratified on August 18, 1920. The 19th amendment guarantees all American women the right to vote. This was a lengthy and difficult struggle that took activists and reformers nearly 100 years to win. Some of the key leaders of this movement were Elizabeth Stanton, Lucretia Mott, and Susan B. Anthony. These three women, along with the assistance of many others, were pivotal in shifting the public’s view on a women’s right to vote and be contributing members of the nation. During the nineteenth century, women organized, petitioned, lectured, marched, rioted, and practiced civil disobedience in order to get freedom. Since the 19th Amendment was first introduced in 1878 and not ratified until August 19, 1920, most of the woman who started the movement didn’t live to see it passed. After the passing of the 19th Amendment...
Words: 1475 - Pages: 6
...social changes during the early 19th century, many women were involved in social advocacy efforts, which eventually led them to advocate for their own right to vote and take part in government agencies. B. Introduction to specific topic and text: The women’s movement of the 1920’s worked to grant women the right to vote nationally, thereby allowing women more political equality. C. Three sub-topic points for your topic 1. Women as public advocates 2. The beginning of the women’s movement 3. The passage of the 19th Amendment II. Sub-Topic 1 A. Topic sentence: Wanting to protect the ideals and morality of the “home”, many women were drawn to social advocacy in order to help correct the deficiencies in the changing 19th century. 1. Introduction to information: Women were very active helping disenfranchised groups who were severely negatively affected by the sweeping social changes in the early 19th century. 2. Evidence: (Quote/paraphrase): Women worked to “improve…the conditions of child workers, the mentally ill, those imprisoned, and the slaves…It was the result of women’s participation in the abolition movement…that women were compelled to address their own political inequality” (Bryant). i. Analysis of quote/relevance of statement to thesis (event): While women worked to help these disadvantaged groups, they became increasingly aware of their own inability to fully take part in societal decisions, thereby making positive changes for society. Acquiring the...
Words: 862 - Pages: 4
...Myesha Geathers Mr.Ryzski Honors American Literature January 9th, 2013 Zora Neale Hurston autobiography Dust Tracks on a Road, sketches her own life living in Eatonville, Florida, was the first organized self-government African American community. Many people saw the African American community as racism and segregation. Hurston implies that the nicest people she met in her early stages were whites who showed her compassion. According to her official website Zora Neale Hurston, “Dust Tracks on a Road, was her account of her rise from childhood poverty in the rural south to a prominent place among the leading artists and intellectuals of the Harlem Renaissance.” Many people viewed Dust Tracks on a Road, as a fantasy life she idealized not the actual truth. While others believed in Hurston’s portrayal. Zora Neale Hurston was the fifth of eight children of John Hurston and Lucy Ann Hurston. She was born in Notasulga, Alabama, on January 7, 1891. When she was 3 years old, her family moved to Eatonville, Florida. Zora Neale Hurston felt like Eatonville was “home” so she claimed it as her birthplace. Hurston glorify it in her stories as a place where African Americans could live as they desired, independent of white society, once her father became mayor. She would later call Eatonville, Florida a utopia. Hurston's childhood in this all black environment may have shaped her later views on race. Zora Neale Hurston represented Eatonville as a perfect place in reality. It was a...
Words: 1912 - Pages: 8
...Stage in the 1920s During World War I the United States bought nearly 200,000 African-American soldiers to France. Majority of the African American soldiers were from the southern region of the United States of America. Many Blacks stayed after the war, generating a permanent Black population in France. The ending of the First World War also marked the beginning of the New Negro Movement or Harlem Renaissance in the United States. During this time African Americans emerged as talented, creative intellectuals leaving their footprint on 1920s America. While much focus of the New Negro Movement is centered in the United States, it indeed was an international affair. The purpose of this research is to examine how a number of African Americans launched their creative debut from the international stage of Paris, France. Additional focus will center on black artists turning to Africa as a source and facture in the art. Last but not least, the effort of Author Schomburg to collect and house international works about blacks will be addressed. Utterly intrigued by African Americans and thoroughly consumed with their talents, the French displayed a respect for Blacks unseen in the United States. While a great number of African-American soldiers remain in Paris, many journeyed back to the United States. Those soldiers certainly were not greeted by change. The United States remained the same racially tensed nation. If there was any change, it was the increase of racial tension. In the summer...
Words: 3126 - Pages: 13
...American History Timeline Part III Tricia Bilbrey Grand Canyon University HIS 221 June 10, 2012 American History Timeline Part III Timeline Part III Instructions: Complete the matrix by providing the Time Period/Date(s) in column B, and the Description and Significance of the People/Event(s) to American History in column C. See complete instructions in the Syllabus for the Module 5 assignment entitled, “Timeline Part III.” NOTE: The timeline project does not need to be submitted to turnitin. NOTE: Please write your answers in a clear and concise manner. Limit your submission of the Timeline Part III to a maximum of 13 pages (not including a reference page). Be sure to cite all sources. Major Event/Epoch in American History Time Period/Date(s) Description and Significance of the People/Event(s) to American History 1) The evolution of the causes of World War I. 1914-1918 Serbians protested the Austrians in Bosnia thus causing the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary. This event set off the war between Austria-Hungary and Serbia. Mutual defense alliances caused an explosion in several countries supporting the others. Russian as an ally of Serbia mobilized causing Germany to react through Belgium, pulling Britain into the war. The governments of Germany and Austria-Hungary were very militaristic and aggressive when...
Words: 1827 - Pages: 8
...Lenin walks around the world. Frontiers cannot bar him. Neither barracks nor barricades impede. Nor does barbed wire scar him. Lenin walks around the world. Black, brown, and white receive him. Language is no barrier. The strangest tongues believe him. Lenin walks around the world. The sun sets like a scar. Between the darkness and the dawn. There rises a red star. – Langston Hughes In the early 1900’s there were very few political parties focused on the plight of African Americans and their quest for civil rights. Communism had inherent within its philosophy the idea that all men and women are equal and focused on an economic model that purported to promote that equality. Karl Marx believed that capitalism thrived on exploitation and he had very concrete notions on slavery. He stated: Direct slavery is just as much the pivot of bourgeois industry as machinery, credits, etc. Without slavery you have no cotton; without cotton you have no modern industry. It is slavery that has given the colonies their value; it is the colonies that have created world trade, and it is world trade that is the pre-condition of large-scale industry. Thus slavery is an economic category of the greatest importance (Marx, 1975). Without slavery Marx believed that it would have been impossible for America to thrive. They needed that free labor to be able to build a profitable industry and forge the nation. Thus the enslavement of an entire race of people was necessary for a capitalist country...
Words: 2423 - Pages: 10
...American Realism The Civil War tore the country apart. Once America was reunited in 1865, there was a lot of healing that needed to take place to correct the wounds Americans had suffered at the hands of their kin. In these years there were still a lot of questions to answer and still a lot of truth to be found out about the nation itself. The questions of the place of African-Americans, white Americans, political Americans and every other kind of American out there was a source for constant frustration and violence. This is the background and the huge dust storm that American Realism rose out of. Prior to the Civil War, America was knee deep in the Romantic Movement which included writers such as Hawthorne, Thoreau, Melville, Poe and Whitman. Their writings focused on the puritan aspects of their ancestors or of the dark romance and psychological perspectives writers such as Poe and Melville used. However, after the war, this movement began to fade and Realism increased as the choice reading of the people. This was due to multiple events and changes in culture that led to Americans looking for something better to relate to. The first event was the end of the Civil War. The Civil War showed the violent intentions men had towards each other and also showed the vulnerability of men and the nation and how ungodly man actually was. However, Realism did not begin immediately after the Civil War but rather took off in the 1880’s. So what happened in the 1880’s then? The 1880’s...
Words: 4974 - Pages: 20
...U.S. Society Shifts From Agrarian to Urban Throughout history the American society has continued to change. The biggest transformation occurred when the American society shifted from an Agrarian culture to an urban culture. This shift affected society greatly. The time during the Civil War brought on a rise of western farmers. As time advanced to post Civil War, the American People had grown accustomed to a set of traditional values. Religion became a central factor in the lives of families. Traditionalism also gave individuals in families defined roles where men worked and women took care of the children and estate. This type of Victorian society was a period in America when there were strict rules for public behavior and a strong work ethic. By the late half of the 19th century, a modern industrial economy started to emerge through the rise of big business. The railroad industry became the first big business by stimulating the national economy. It helped pave the way for other big industries like steel, coal, and oil to arise as well. This growth of industry made the U.S. a desirable place for immigrants, however it also created a class of workers dependent on wage labor. The conditions in factories were often unsafe and workers had to work long hours for low wages. In retaliation, workers banded together to form labor unions such as the American Federation of Labor to get better working conditions. As America anticipated entering WWI, the...
Words: 780 - Pages: 4
...Despite it being banned, a lot is to be said for George Orwell’s “Animal Farm.” Throughout 1950’s there was so much tension between the Soviet Union, and well, the rest of the world. In the time that Orwell wrote this novel, the First World War had come to a close in Europe. Despite the newly forming Russia, the World War put a damper on the already fragile state- only 20 years after a nasty civil war. Though the civil war was over, tensions between Russia and the United States never actually went away; The United States government was initially hostile to the Soviet leaders for taking Russia out of World War I and was opposed to a state ideologically based on communism. Although the United States embarked on a food crisis relief program in the Soviet Union in the early 1920s and American businessmen established commercial ties there during the period of the New Economic party. Because of differences, the two countries did not establish tactful relations until 1933. By that time, the totalitarian nature of Joseph Stalin's regime presented an insurmountable obstacle to friendly relations with the West. A few years later when George Orwell released his “Animal Farm” which was rumored to be set around Stalinist Russia, it was no wonder people took notice of the controversial novel. As you read the story of Manor Farm, you begin to notice a few details that are not at all suited for a rural English family farm. Before starting on this piece, Orwell had mentioned in interviews...
Words: 699 - Pages: 3
...ECE 2980 – Inventing an Information Society Second Essay Assignment Analyze how regionalism and nationalism are related to different modes of listening to the radio in the United States from 1920 to 1980. For long it has been discussed how the radio changed the American people – but this analysis is far too diverse and particular to each individual, since the United States have a wide arrange of ethnicity, religions, races, generations and other remarkable differences between different people. This essay will therefore focus on how the different modes of listening to the radio brought together different nation feelings to society in different timings and places. A Cornell scholar, Benedict Anderson, while reflecting about the emerge of nationalism in one country said one day that it had to be imagined, since all the nation elements and individuals may never meet one another and “yet in the mind of each lives the image of their communion”. The first notable change in general knowledge and feeling about a nation was conceived on the newspaper, that would allow several people to read the same stories about the nation and its people at the same time. The newspaper was the first proof of a country to a regular citizen that through it, would get to know people from distant lands with whom he would share his first sense of non-local community. The importance of the radio wasn’t shadowed by the newspaper’s prior timing. Radio added one more sense to the world...
Words: 1988 - Pages: 8
