U.S. History - The Roaring Twenties PDF

**The Roaring 20's** 1. 2. 3. **Age of Prosperity** - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - **Republican Power** - - - - - [President Coolidge ] "The business of Ameri...

**The Roaring 20's** 1. 2. 3. **Age of Prosperity** - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - **Republican Power** - - - - - [President Coolidge ] "The business of America is business" - - - - **Consumer Economy** - - **Culture of the Roaring Twenties** - - - - - - - **Celebrities** - - - **The Twenties = The Jazz Age** - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - **A Society in Conflict** - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - **The Ku Klux Klan (The KKK)** - - - - - - - - **Scopes "Monkey" Trial** - - - - - **Prohibition - on manuf, and sale of alcohol** - - - - - - - - - - - \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-- **Video Notes- The 1920's** **Summary** The early 20th century marks a transformative era for America, characterized by rapid industrialization, urban expansion, and profound social change. This period begins with the discovery of vast oil reserves in Texas, particularly at Spindletop, which initiates the nation's oil boom and establishes the U.S. as a global leader in oil production. The Hamel brothers, pioneering oilmen, drill the first successful well, unleashing a torrent of crude oil that changes the economic landscape of the country. Simultaneously, innovations in manufacturing, led by figures like Henry Ford, revolutionized the automobile industry. Ford's introduction of the assembly line makes cars affordable, leading to widespread automobile ownership and the emergence of suburbs. The resulting mobility reshapes American life, fostering a new sense of freedom and independence among citizens. As cities grow, the quest for resources like water becomes critical. William Mulholland's construction of the Los Angeles Aqueduct proves essential for the city's expansion but devastates surrounding areas, highlighting the often-overlooked costs of progress. The period also witnessed significant social upheaval, including the Great Migration of African Americans seeking better opportunities in the North, only to face racial tensions and violence, exemplified by the Chicago Race Riot of 1919. This era is further complicated by the rise of organized crime linked to Prohibition, culminating in the notorious St. Valentine\'s Day Massacre and the eventual repeal of Prohibition as the government seeks to regain lost revenues. The narrative of this time is one of ambition, innovation, and conflict, shaping the foundations of modern America. **Highlights** \- 🛢️ \*\*Discovery of Oil\*\*: The discovery of oil at Spindletop in Texas marks the beginning of the American oil boom, establishing the U.S. as a leading oil producer. \- 🚗 \*\*Automobile Revolution\*\*: Henry Ford's introduction of the assembly line leads to mass production of affordable cars, forever changing transportation in America. \- 🚰 \*\*Water Crisis Resolution\*\*: William Mulholland's construction of the Los Angeles Aqueduct solves critical water shortages for the city but devastates the source community. \- 🌍 \*\*Great Migration\*\*: The movement of African Americans to the North in search of better opportunities highlights the racial and social struggles of the era. \- 🍺 \*\*Prohibition and Crime\*\*: The enactment of Prohibition leads to rampant organized crime, showcasing the unintended consequences of legislative efforts aimed at morality. \- 📉 \*\*Economic Boom and Bust\*\*: The era of prosperity fueled by oil and innovation eventually gave way to economic hardship, culminating in the stock market crash of 1929. \- 🏙️ \*\*Urban Expansion\*\*: Rapid urbanization results in sprawling suburbs and changes in the American lifestyle, fostering a sense of freedom but also exacerbating social tensions. **Key Insights** \- 🔍 \*\*Impact of Oil on Economy\*\*: The discovery of oil at Spindletop not only transformed the local economy but also had far-reaching implications for the global economy. With the U.S. emerging as the largest oil producer, the newfound wealth fueled industrial growth and innovation, changing the dynamics of energy consumption and economic power. \- 🏭 \*\*Mass Production\'s Social Implications\*\*: Ford\'s assembly line revolutionized not just car manufacturing but industrial production as a whole. This method reduced costs and made products accessible to the average consumer, fostering a culture of consumerism that would define the American identity in the 20th century. \- 💧 \*\*Resource Management and Consequences\*\*: Mulholland\'s aqueduct project exemplifies the dual nature of progress;. At the same time, it enabled the growth of Los Angeles, it also highlighted the ethical dilemmas surrounding resource extraction and environmental impact. The depletion of Owens Valley serves as a cautionary tale about the costs of urban expansion and water management. \- 🌆 \*\*Racial Tensions and Urbanization\*\*: The Great Migration illustrates the complexities of race relations in America, as African Americans sought better lives in northern cities only to encounter systemic racism and violence. The Chicago Race Riot of 1919 underscores the fragility of social progress and the deep-seated divisions that persisted despite migration. \- 🍷 \*\*Prohibition's Paradox\*\*: The era of Prohibition showcases how well-intentioned policies can lead to unintended consequences. While aimed at curbing alcohol consumption, it instead fueled organized crime and violence, leading to a societal backlash that ultimately resulted in the repeal of the 18th Amendment. \- 📉 \*\*Economic Volatility\*\*: The juxtaposition of the economic boom during the 1920s against the backdrop of the Great Depression illustrates the volatility of the American economy. The stock market crash of 1929 marked a significant turning point, leading to widespread unemployment and hardship that challenged the nation's previous assumptions about prosperity. \- 🌍 \*\*American Identity and Mobility\*\*: The automobile\'s rise not only revolutionized transportation but also reshaped American society, allowing people to explore new areas and live farther from their workplaces. This mobility contributed to a growing sense of individualism and freedom, signifying a shift in the American social contract during the early 20th century. This era in American history is marked by dramatic changes that laid the groundwork for the modern nation, highlighting the interplay between innovation, resource management, social dynamics, and the pursuit of the American Dream. Each development, while a step forward, also carried with it complexities and challenges that continue to resonate in contemporary society.