RUSA roaring 20's

Question 1

Overview of the begining

Answer 1

Roaring Twenties

Prosperous era, cultural dynamism.
Foundation for economic growth.
Challenges

Great Depression’s devastating effects.
Questioning of capitalist system.
New Deal

FDR’s policies for recovery.
Sets stage for U.S. superpower status.

Question 2

Key Individuals

Answer 2

Warren G. Harding

29th President.
“Return to normalcy.”
Scandal tarnished reputation.
Calvin Coolidge

30th President.
Pro-business stance.
Oversaw economic growth.
Herbert Hoover

31st President.
Great Depression challenges.
Criticized for perceived inaction.
Franklin D. Roosevelt

32nd President.
New Deal architect.
Influential during Great Depression.
Eleanor Roosevelt

FDR’s wife, First Lady.
Advocate for social justice.
Active in policy-making.
John Maynard Keynes

Economist.
Influenced New Deal policies.
Advocated for government intervention.
Henry Ford

Industrialist, Ford Motor Company.
Revolutionized auto industry.
Impact on economic growth.
Alfred E. Smith

Democratic candidate in 1928.
“Happy Warrior.”
Broke religious barriers.

Question 3

Terminology

Answer 3

Great Depression

Economic downturn, 1929-1930s.
High unemployment, poverty.
Jazz Age / Roaring Twenties

Cultural vibrancy, rebellion.
Jazz music symbol.
Prohibition

Alcohol ban, 1920-1933.
18th Amendment.
Dust Bowl

Severe dust storms, 1930s.
Agricultural devastation.
New Deal

FDR’s programs for recovery.
Relief, recovery, reform.

Question 4

More Terminology

Answer 4

Black Tuesday

Stock market crash, 1929.
Triggered Great Depression.
Assembly Line

Henry Ford’s innovation.
Mass production efficiency.
Social Security Act

New Deal, 1935.
Social insurance system.
Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)

New Deal program, 1933.
Flood control, economic development.
American Dream

Belief in U.S. opportunity.
Success through hard work.

Question 5

Immigration and Policies

Answer 5

Immigration Laws

1920s-1930s restrictions.
Immigration Act of 1924.
Protective Tariffs

Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act (1930).
Intended to shield U.S. businesses.
Surpluses

Excess supply, economic instability.
Contributed to the Depression.
Isolationism

Foreign policy of non-involvement.
Monroe Doctrine influence.

Question 6

Early 20th Century USA

Answer 6

Benefiting from WWI

Economic boost.
Control of Philippines, Pacific Islands.
American Population

Vast size, diverse.
Immigration contributes.
American Dream

Land of opportunity.
Diverse immigration.
Government Structure

Federal and State governments.
Constitutional democracy.

Question 7

Isolationist USA monroe doctorine

Answer 7

Isolationist Policies

Monroe Doctrine influence.
Focus on Western Hemisphere.
World War I

Initial neutrality.
Shift to involvement in 1917.
Monroe Doctrine

Non-interference in Americas.
Impact on U.S. expansion.

Question 8

U.S. Isolationism

Answer 8

Origin:

Response to aftermath of World War I.
Desire to avoid future international conflicts.
Key Principles:

Non-intervention: Avoid involvement in foreign conflicts.
Key Figure:

George Washington’s Farewell Address (1796) advocated avoiding entangling alliances.
Objectives:

Protection of national sovereignty.
Preservation of domestic peace and prosperity.
Impact:

Reduced involvement in European conflicts.
Later involvement in World War II.
Evolution:

Shifted from strict isolationism to global engagement, especially post-World War II.
Examples:

Neutrality Acts of the 1930s to prevent American involvement in foreign wars.

Question 9

Effects of World War I on the USA

Answer 9

Post-War Prosperity:
U.S. became the most powerful economic force.
New industrial techniques increased productivity.
Loans to European states boosted American goods.

Question 10

Capitalism in the USA

Answer 10

Economic Prosperity (1920s):

Roaring Twenties marked by rapid industrialization.
Capitalism as the driving economic system.
Capitalism vs. Alternatives:

Ownership of Means of Production:
Private ownership and control.
Economic System:
Market-based system with competition.
Distribution of Wealth:
Unequal distribution based on individual wealth.
Role of Government:
Limited government intervention in the economy.
Profit Motive:
Central driver of economic activity.
Social Classes:
Distinct social classes based on wealth and ownership.
Individual Freedom:
Emphasis on individual freedom and personal choice.
Innovation and Entrepreneurship:
Encourages innovation and entrepreneurship.
Examples:

United States, United Kingdom, Japan exemplify capitalism.

Question 11

Economic Prosperity of the 1920s (Roaring Twenties)

Answer 11

Technological Advancements:

Assembly line and electricity boosted industrial production.
Significant growth in automobiles, steel, and consumer goods.
New Industries and Technologies:

Motor-car industry transformation.
Growth in associated fields (oil, rubber, steel).
Boost in air travel post-World War I.
Communications and Inventions:

Radio industry development.
Hollywood’s rise as the movie capital.
Electricity’s transformative impact.
Jazz as a new form of music.
Mass Marketing:

Mass production led to reduced prices.
Advertising campaigns extended markets.
Large industries controlled significant wealth.
Impact on Americans:

Pursuit of material comforts.
Increased standard of living.
Did All Americans Benefit?:

NO for farmers (lost markets).
Many in cities were poor due to low wages.