10th American History

Unit VI- US Cultural History

The Roaring 20’s

Part 1 - 1920’sPart 1 - 1920’s

Post War Reaction

Post World War I and the Red Scare

Allied Intervention into Allied Intervention into RussiaRussia• The British, French and Americans four-fold goal:The British, French and Americans four-fold goal:

– (1) prevent Japan from creating an empire in the East,(1) prevent Japan from creating an empire in the East,

– (2) prevent massive Allied stores originally sent to the tsarist (2) prevent massive Allied stores originally sent to the tsarist armies from falling into German and subsequently Bolshevik armies from falling into German and subsequently Bolshevik hands,hands,

– (3) assist the White Armies in overthrowing the Bolshevik (3) assist the White Armies in overthrowing the Bolshevik regime and bring Russia under Lenin back into the war regime and bring Russia under Lenin back into the war against Germany, against Germany,

– (4) rescue the Czechoslovak Legion trapped in central Asia so (4) rescue the Czechoslovak Legion trapped in central Asia so that they could rejoin the war against Germany.that they could rejoin the war against Germany.

• From 1918 on, Soviet propagandists skillfully exploited the raw From 1918 on, Soviet propagandists skillfully exploited the raw fact of Allied presence on Russian soil. fact of Allied presence on Russian soil. The scale of Allied The scale of Allied operations was trivial, as their combat losses show. The operations was trivial, as their combat losses show. The British in particular provided military equipment to the British in particular provided military equipment to the Whites, but soon abandoned their Russian friends to their Whites, but soon abandoned their Russian friends to their

fate.fate.

Labor Problems in the Labor Problems in the 20’s20’s

• Monopolies continued in spite of the Monopolies continued in spite of the Sherman Antitrust ActSherman Antitrust Act of 1890. Social of 1890. Social problems flourished in the U.S. During problems flourished in the U.S. During the 1910s labor unions continued to grow the 1910s labor unions continued to grow as the middle classes became more and as the middle classes became more and more unhappy. Unsafe working more unhappy. Unsafe working conditions were underscored by the conditions were underscored by the Triangle Shirtwaist FactoryTriangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in which fire in which 145 female workers were killed.145 female workers were killed.

• Prices were soaring, wages and benefits Prices were soaring, wages and benefits were not. Some 4 million workers went were not. Some 4 million workers went on strike costing about $2 billion in lost on strike costing about $2 billion in lost sales.sales.

• Public, government and courts did not Public, government and courts did not support strikes.support strikes.

• Strikes often turned violent and union Strikes often turned violent and union membership fell.membership fell.

Urban RiotsUrban Riots• 1919-These race riots were the product of white society’s desire to maintain its superiority 1919-These race riots were the product of white society’s desire to maintain its superiority

over Blacks, vent its frustrations in times of distress, and attack those least able to defend over Blacks, vent its frustrations in times of distress, and attack those least able to defend themselves.themselves.

• This was the year of the "Red Summer," with 26 race riots between the months of April This was the year of the "Red Summer," with 26 race riots between the months of April and October. and October. More than one hundred Blacks were killed in these riots, and thousands More than one hundred Blacks were killed in these riots, and thousands were wounded and left homeless.were wounded and left homeless.

• These included disturbances in the following areas:These included disturbances in the following areas:

– May 10 Charleston, South Carolina; July 13 Gregg and Longview counties, Texas; July 19-23 May 10 Charleston, South Carolina; July 13 Gregg and Longview counties, Texas; July 19-23 Washington, D. C. Washington, D. C. ; ; July 27 Chicago; October 1-3 July 27 Chicago; October 1-3 Elaine, Arkansas.Elaine, Arkansas.

• Lynchings.Lynchings. Seventy-six black Americans are known to have been lynched in 1919. Seventy-six black Americans are known to have been lynched in 1919.

• 1. 1. In each of the race riots, with few exceptions, it was white people that sparked the incident by attacking Black people.In each of the race riots, with few exceptions, it was white people that sparked the incident by attacking Black people.

• 2. In the majority of the riots, some extraordinary social condition prevailed at the time of the riot: prewar social 2. In the majority of the riots, some extraordinary social condition prevailed at the time of the riot: prewar social changes, wartime mobility, post-war adjustment, or economic depression.changes, wartime mobility, post-war adjustment, or economic depression.

• 3. The majority of the riots occurred during the hot summer months.3. The majority of the riots occurred during the hot summer months.

• 4. Rumor played an extremely important role in causing many riots. Rumors of some criminal activity by Blacks against 4. Rumor played an extremely important role in causing many riots. Rumors of some criminal activity by Blacks against whites perpetuated the actions of white mobs.whites perpetuated the actions of white mobs.

• 5. The police force, more than any other institution, was invariably involved as a precipitating cause or perpetuating 5. The police force, more than any other institution, was invariably involved as a precipitating cause or perpetuating factor in the riots. In almost every one of the riots, the police sided with the attackers, either by actually participating in, factor in the riots. In almost every one of the riots, the police sided with the attackers, either by actually participating in, or by failing to quell the attack.or by failing to quell the attack.

• 6. In almost every instance, the fighting occurred within the Black community.6. In almost every instance, the fighting occurred within the Black community.

Bomb ScaresBomb Scares• In addition to workers' strikes, bomb threats also fueled the Red Scare- probably scattered act of In addition to workers' strikes, bomb threats also fueled the Red Scare- probably scattered act of

misguided terrorists.misguided terrorists.

• In April of 1919, a United States Senator from Georgia, Thomas Hartwick, received a package In April of 1919, a United States Senator from Georgia, Thomas Hartwick, received a package which exploded when his maid opened it. Thanks to an observant New York City mail clerk, which exploded when his maid opened it. Thanks to an observant New York City mail clerk, similar packages were discovered before they reached their targets. similar packages were discovered before they reached their targets.

• In all, authorities found sixteen homemade bombs wrapped up and addressed to such prominent In all, authorities found sixteen homemade bombs wrapped up and addressed to such prominent members of commerce and government as J.P. Morgan, John D. Rockefeller, and Supreme Court members of commerce and government as J.P. Morgan, John D. Rockefeller, and Supreme Court Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr. Although there was no evidence, many claimed this was part Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr. Although there was no evidence, many claimed this was part of a radical, Bolshevik conspiracy to take over the nation. Attorney General A. Mitchell Palmer of a radical, Bolshevik conspiracy to take over the nation. Attorney General A. Mitchell Palmer was one of the targets of an attempted bombing, which made him a convert to the Red Scare. was one of the targets of an attempted bombing, which made him a convert to the Red Scare.

• The worst bombing was on Sept. 16, 1920 in Wall street where 38 people were killed and hundreds The worst bombing was on Sept. 16, 1920 in Wall street where 38 people were killed and hundreds wounded.wounded.

• Palmer made use of the wartime Sedition Act (1918) to arrest and prosecute so-called "radicals."Palmer made use of the wartime Sedition Act (1918) to arrest and prosecute so-called "radicals." (Bolsheviks, Anarchists, terrorists, and foreigners .) On 7th November, 1919, the second (Bolsheviks, Anarchists, terrorists, and foreigners .) On 7th November, 1919, the second anniversary of the anniversary of the Russian RevolutionRussian Revolution, over 10,000 suspected communists and anarchists were , over 10,000 suspected communists and anarchists were arrested and 247 other people, were deported to Russia. arrested and 247 other people, were deported to Russia. These raids took place in several cities These raids took place in several cities and became known as the and became known as the Palmer RaidsPalmer Raids.

A. Mitchell Palmer and A. Mitchell Palmer and the Red Scarethe Red Scare

• In 1919 Wilson appointed Palmer as his attorney general. In 1919 Wilson appointed Palmer as his attorney general.

• Worried by the revolution that had taken place in Russia, Worried by the revolution that had taken place in Russia, Palmer became convinced that Communist agents were Palmer became convinced that Communist agents were planning to overthrow the American government. His view was planning to overthrow the American government. His view was reinforced by the discovery of thirty-eight bombs sent to leading reinforced by the discovery of thirty-eight bombs sent to leading politicians and the Italian anarchist who blew himself up politicians and the Italian anarchist who blew himself up outside Palmer's Washington home. outside Palmer's Washington home.

• Palmer recruited Palmer recruited John Edgar HooverJohn Edgar Hoover as his special assistant as his special assistant and together they used the and together they used the Espionage ActEspionage Act (1917) and the (1917) and the Sedition ActSedition Act (1918) to launch a campaign against radicals and (1918) to launch a campaign against radicals and left-wing organizations. left-wing organizations.

• When the May revolution failed to materialize, attitudes When the May revolution failed to materialize, attitudes towards Palmer began to change and he was criticised for towards Palmer began to change and he was criticised for disregarding people's basic civil liberties. Some of his opponents disregarding people's basic civil liberties. Some of his opponents claimed that Palmer had devised this claimed that Palmer had devised this Red ScareRed Scare to help him to help him become the Democratic presidential candidate in 1920. become the Democratic presidential candidate in 1920.

Fear of Foreigners and Fear of Foreigners and NativismNativism• The Immigration Restriction LeagueThe Immigration Restriction League

– Founded in 1894 by a group of Boston Founded in 1894 by a group of Boston lawyers, professors, and philanthropists lawyers, professors, and philanthropists who were alarmed by the large number of who were alarmed by the large number of immigrants entering America each year.immigrants entering America each year.

– Lobbied for a Lobbied for a literacy testliteracy test for immigrants- for immigrants- 1917 over Wilson’s veto.1917 over Wilson’s veto.

– This would discriminate against Eastern This would discriminate against Eastern and Southern European immigrants, and Southern European immigrants, whom the league felt inferior.whom the league felt inferior.

• The First Quota Law-May 19, 1921,The First Quota Law-May 19, 1921,

– limited the annual number of immigrants limited the annual number of immigrants to 3% of the number of foreign-born to 3% of the number of foreign-born persons of most nationalities living in the persons of most nationalities living in the USA in 1910.USA in 1910.

• National Origins Act 1924- only National Origins Act 1924- only 150,000 immigrants a year.150,000 immigrants a year.

– set immigration quotas based on set immigration quotas based on national origins that openly national origins that openly discriminated against southern and discriminated against southern and eastern Europeans. For example, the eastern Europeans. For example, the law permitted 65,721 immigrants law permitted 65,721 immigrants from Great Britain annually, but from Great Britain annually, but only 5,802 from Italy and 2,712 from only 5,802 from Italy and 2,712 from the Soviet Union. Asians were almost the Soviet Union. Asians were almost completely excluded.completely excluded.

KKK and the Immigration RestrictionKKK and the Immigration Restriction

• The second Ku Klux Klan (KKK) sought to reverse the The second Ku Klux Klan (KKK) sought to reverse the changes in gender and sexual norms. changes in gender and sexual norms.

• The KKK worked to elevate white Protestant men and The KKK worked to elevate white Protestant men and women while blaming the demise of America's moral women while blaming the demise of America's moral standards on Catholics, Jews, and people of color. "pure standards on Catholics, Jews, and people of color. "pure Americanism." Americanism."

• As a result of pressure from western states and nativist As a result of pressure from western states and nativist organizations, the federal government enacted laws that organizations, the federal government enacted laws that specifically targeted Asian immigrants, such as the Chinese specifically targeted Asian immigrants, such as the Chinese Exclusion Act in 1882 and the "Gentlemen's Agreement" Exclusion Act in 1882 and the "Gentlemen's Agreement" with Japan in 1907. Literacy Tests. Immigration Act of with Japan in 1907. Literacy Tests. Immigration Act of 1924 (Quotas)1924 (Quotas)

• KKK hatred of Blacks, Jews, Catholics, Flappers and KKK hatred of Blacks, Jews, Catholics, Flappers and Immigrants. It established one of the largest social Immigrants. It established one of the largest social movements of the 20th century, enrolling nearly five movements of the 20th century, enrolling nearly five million of ordinary, "respectable," middle-class Americansmillion of ordinary, "respectable," middle-class Americans

Sacco and VanzettiSacco and Vanzetti• It was a bold and outrageous pair of murders. Three o'clock in It was a bold and outrageous pair of murders. Three o'clock in

the afternoon - in broad daylight - two armed men shot and the afternoon - in broad daylight - two armed men shot and killed a paymaster and his guard. Seven shots in all were fired. killed a paymaster and his guard. Seven shots in all were fired. The killers picked up the two boxes containing almost $16,000, The killers picked up the two boxes containing almost $16,000, leaped into a car containing several other men, a car that had leaped into a car containing several other men, a car that had pulled up with precise timing, and sped away. The whole pulled up with precise timing, and sped away. The whole

audacious enterprise had taken less than a minute.audacious enterprise had taken less than a minute. • Retrospect, the evidence against them seems slim, and certainly Retrospect, the evidence against them seems slim, and certainly

the question of reasonable doubt is raised.the question of reasonable doubt is raised.

• Arguments supporting their innocence are indirect, but Arguments supporting their innocence are indirect, but important. What happened to the $16,000? Who were the other important. What happened to the $16,000? Who were the other three criminals? How can one explain the variety of bullets three criminals? How can one explain the variety of bullets taken from the victims that do not match Sacco's gun? Why did taken from the victims that do not match Sacco's gun? Why did the accused show no change in their behavior? Why were the the accused show no change in their behavior? Why were the members of the Morelli gang not questioned?members of the Morelli gang not questioned?

• Anarchists and Immigrants.

ProhibitionProhibition• Prohibition in the United States was a

measure designed to reduce drinking by eliminating the businesses that manufactured, distributed, and sold alcoholic beverages.

• The Eighteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution took away license to do business from the brewers, distillers, vintners, and the wholesale and retail sellers of alcoholic beverages.

• The leaders of the prohibition movement were alarmed at the drinking behavior of Americans, and they were concerned that there was a culture of drink among some sectors of the population that, with continuing immigration from Europe, was spreading. Anti Saloon League, Scientific Temperance Federation, World League Against Alcoholism, and Women’s Christian Temperance Union.

Prohibition - ProblemsProhibition - ProblemsAlcohol became more dangerous to Alcohol became more dangerous to consume; crime increased and became consume; crime increased and became "organized"; the court and prison "organized"; the court and prison systems were stretched to the breaking systems were stretched to the breaking point; and corruption of public officials point; and corruption of public officials was rampant. was rampant.

No measurable gains were made in No measurable gains were made in productivity or reduced absenteeism. productivity or reduced absenteeism.

Prohibition removed a significant Prohibition removed a significant source of tax revenue and greatly source of tax revenue and greatly increased government spending. increased government spending.

It led many drinkers to switch to It led many drinkers to switch to opium, marijuana, patent medicines, opium, marijuana, patent medicines, cocaine, and other dangerous substances cocaine, and other dangerous substances that they would have been unlikely to that they would have been unlikely to encounter in the absence of Prohibition.encounter in the absence of Prohibition.

St. Valentines Day Massacre

Eliot Ness

ProhibitionProhibition• Speakeasies were actually illegal Speakeasies were actually illegal

"nightclubs." They were created during the "nightclubs." They were created during the 20's when prohibition was lurking about and 20's when prohibition was lurking about and alcohol was ruled illegal. alcohol was ruled illegal.

• They were usually opened late at night and They were usually opened late at night and served a playing field for the rebels that served a playing field for the rebels that wanted to dance the night away and drink wanted to dance the night away and drink alcohol. alcohol.

• They would usually have code words for They would usually have code words for people to get into and would be run by the people to get into and would be run by the local cop on the street.local cop on the street.

• The Cotton Club in Harlem, New York was The Cotton Club in Harlem, New York was the most famous of these speakeasies. the most famous of these speakeasies.

• They were a place where the prosperous They were a place where the prosperous could party, local cops could make a little could party, local cops could make a little extra cash. extra cash.

• In the speakeasies, discrimination was a In the speakeasies, discrimination was a problem.problem.

Womens Suffrage- 19th Womens Suffrage- 19th AmendmentAmendment

– Why We Don't Want Men to Vote

Because man's place is in the army. Because man's place is in the army.

Because no really manly man wants to settle any Because no really manly man wants to settle any question otherwise than by fighting about it. question otherwise than by fighting about it.

Because if men should adopt peaceable methods Because if men should adopt peaceable methods women will no longer look up to them. women will no longer look up to them.

Because men will lose their charm if they step out Because men will lose their charm if they step out of their natural sphere and interest themselves in of their natural sphere and interest themselves in other matters than feats of arms, uniforms, and other matters than feats of arms, uniforms, and drums. drums.

Because men are too emotional to vote. Their Because men are too emotional to vote. Their conduct at baseball games and political conduct at baseball games and political conventions shows this, while their innate conventions shows this, while their innate tendency to appeal to force renders them unfit for tendency to appeal to force renders them unfit for

government.government.

Womens Suffrage- 19th Womens Suffrage- 19th AmendmentAmendment

• 19201920 Henry Burn casts the Henry Burn casts the deciding vote that makes deciding vote that makes Tennessee the thirty-sixth, and Tennessee the thirty-sixth, and final state, to ratify the final state, to ratify the Nineteenth Amendment. Nineteenth Amendment. August 26August 26: The Nineteenth : The Nineteenth Amendment is adopted and the Amendment is adopted and the women of the United States are women of the United States are finally enfranchised.finally enfranchised.

• 19th Amendment19th Amendment

• ““The right of citizens of the The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account States or by any state on account of sex.”of sex.”

Part 2 - 1920’sPart 2 - 1920’s

The Roaring 20’s

Thanks to Henry Ford and mass production, one could buy a car for $290. This was a period of prohibition and intolerance, speakeasies, flappers, gangsters, and crime. This brought about much of the flavor of the Jazz Age or Roaring Twenties as we know them. The 19th Amendment had passed the previous year allowing women the right to vote in national elections. Technology grew - the country shrunk - as popularity of automobiles, radios, and movies exploded. In the fall of 1929, the New York Stock Exchange was more active than it had ever been. By October 24, 1929, Black Thursday, the stock market crashed and panic broke out.

The Roaring 20’sThe Roaring 20’s

"Old" Culture "New" CultureEmphasized Production Emphasized ConsumptionCharacter PersonalityScarcity AbundunceReligion ScienceIdealized the Past Looked to the FutureLocal Culture Mass CultureSubstance Image

Life in the Jazz Age - Automobile As the end of the decade neared, Ford and

Chevrolet locked horns in a fierce pricing battle that continued through the Thirties. Other automakers, such as Cadillac, Packard, and Chrysler, began to have an impact on the market.

Virtually every household in America owned an automobile, and it quickly became an integrated part of American life. Parents would drive to work in their automobiles. Families could visit friends and family who lived farther away. And young people found a whole new way to have fun. Entertainment and recreation as well as work.

A wide variety of new industries were spawned- petroleum, manufacturing, road construction, etc.

Automobile Production

Motor Vehicle Production (Thousands)

Year United States Canada France United Kingdom Germany Italy Czechoslovakia Russia

1907 45 3 25 12 4 0 0 0

1913 485 15 45 34 14 2 0 0

1924 3504 135 145 133 18 35 2 0

1928 4359 242 210 212 90 55 13 1

1935 3971 173 165 404 240 44 10 97

The Radio• Most radio historians assert that radio

broadcasting began in 1920 with the historic broadcast of KDKA

• Radio became a product of the mass market

• Between 1923 and 1930, 60 percent of American families purchased radios. Families gathered around their radios for night-time entertainment

• Radio stations broadcast things like popular music, classical music, sporting events, lectures, fictional stories, newscasts, weather reports, market updates, and political commentary.

• The Federal Radio Commission was set up in 1926; the Radio Act of 1927 organized the

Federal Radio Commission. • Crystal radios, like the one at left, were among

the first radios to be used and manufactured.

The Phonograph• The phonograph or Victrola was The phonograph or Victrola was

developed as a result of Thomas Edison's developed as a result of Thomas Edison's work on two other inventions, the work on two other inventions, the telegraph and the telephone.telegraph and the telephone.

• Uses of the Phonograph- according to Uses of the Phonograph- according to EdisonEdison

– Letter writing– dictation – Phonographic books, – The teaching of elocution. – Reproduction of music. – The "Family Record"--a registry of sayings, reminiscences,

etc., by members of a family in their own voices, and of the last words of dying persons.

– Music-boxes and toys. – Clocks – The preservation of languages – Educational purposes. – Connection with the telephone

1920’s Movies

Fairbanks and Pickford

Janet Gaynor

• Rudolph Valentino

Charlie Chaplin

Buster Keaton- The Great Stone Face

Films really blossomed in the 1920s, expanding upon the foundations of Films really blossomed in the 1920s, expanding upon the foundations of film from earlier years. Most US film production at the start of the decade film from earlier years. Most US film production at the start of the decade occurred in or near Hollywood on the West Coast, although some films were still occurred in or near Hollywood on the West Coast, although some films were still being made in New Jersey and in Astoria on Long Island (Paramount). By the mid-being made in New Jersey and in Astoria on Long Island (Paramount). By the mid-20s, movies were big business (with a capital investment totaling over $2 billion) 20s, movies were big business (with a capital investment totaling over $2 billion) with some theatres offering double features. By the end of the decade, there were with some theatres offering double features. By the end of the decade, there were 20 Hollywood studios, and the demand for films was greater than ever. Most 20 Hollywood studios, and the demand for films was greater than ever. Most people are unaware that the greatest output of feature films in the US occurred in people are unaware that the greatest output of feature films in the US occurred in the 1920s and 1930s (averaging about 800 film releases in a year) - nowadays, it is the 1920s and 1930s (averaging about 800 film releases in a year) - nowadays, it is remarkable when production exceeds 500 films in a year. remarkable when production exceeds 500 films in a year.

Throughout most of the decade, silent films were the predominant Throughout most of the decade, silent films were the predominant product of the film industry, having evolved from vaudevillian roots. But the films product of the film industry, having evolved from vaudevillian roots. But the films were becoming bigger, costlier, and more polished. They were being manufactured, were becoming bigger, costlier, and more polished. They were being manufactured, assembly-line style, in Hollywood's 'entertainment factories,' in which production assembly-line style, in Hollywood's 'entertainment factories,' in which production was broken down and organized into its various components (writing, costuming, was broken down and organized into its various components (writing, costuming, makeup, directing, etc.). makeup, directing, etc.).

The major emphasis was on swashbucklers, historical extravaganzas, The major emphasis was on swashbucklers, historical extravaganzas, and melodramas, although all kinds of films were being produced throughout the and melodramas, although all kinds of films were being produced throughout the decade. Films varied from sexy melodramas and biblical epics by Cecil B. DeMille, decade. Films varied from sexy melodramas and biblical epics by Cecil B. DeMille, to westerns (such as Cruze's The Covered Wagon (1923)), horror films, to westerns (such as Cruze's The Covered Wagon (1923)), horror films, gangster/crime films, war films, the gangster/crime films, war films, the firstfirst feature feature documentary (Robert Flaherty's (Robert Flaherty's Nanook of the North (1922)), romances, mysteries, and comedies (from the silent Nanook of the North (1922)), romances, mysteries, and comedies (from the silent comic masters Chaplin, Keaton, and Lloyd). comic masters Chaplin, Keaton, and Lloyd).

Refrigerators• Two of the first home refrigerators both appeared in Fort Two of the first home refrigerators both appeared in Fort

Wayne, Indiana, where, in 1911, General Electric company Wayne, Indiana, where, in 1911, General Electric company unveiled a unit invented by a French monk. In 1915 the first unveiled a unit invented by a French monk. In 1915 the first "Guardian" refrigerator - a predecessor of the Frigidaire - "Guardian" refrigerator - a predecessor of the Frigidaire - was assembled in a wash house in a Fort Wayne backyard. was assembled in a wash house in a Fort Wayne backyard.

• Kelvinator and Servel models were among some two dozen Kelvinator and Servel models were among some two dozen home refrigerators introduced to the U.S. market in 1916. home refrigerators introduced to the U.S. market in 1916. In 1920 the number had increased to more than 200. In 1920 the number had increased to more than 200. Compressors were generally driven by belts attached to Compressors were generally driven by belts attached to motors located in the basement or in an adjoining room. motors located in the basement or in an adjoining room.

• In 1918 Kelvinator introduced the first refrigerator with In 1918 Kelvinator introduced the first refrigerator with any type of automatic control. One manufacturer's 1922 any type of automatic control. One manufacturer's 1922 model had a wooden cabinet, a water-cooled compressor, model had a wooden cabinet, a water-cooled compressor, two ice cube trays and nine cubic feet of storage space. It two ice cube trays and nine cubic feet of storage space. It cost $714. In 1923 Frigidaire introduced the first self-cost $714. In 1923 Frigidaire introduced the first self-contained unit. Steel and porcelain cabinets began contained unit. Steel and porcelain cabinets began appearing in the mid-20s.appearing in the mid-20s.

Washing machinesWashing machines• In 1922 The Maytag Company introduced a system of forcing In 1922 The Maytag Company introduced a system of forcing

water through the clothes by means of an agitator rather water through the clothes by means of an agitator rather than dragging the clothes through the water. This system is than dragging the clothes through the water. This system is most commonly used now. most commonly used now.

• Even as early as 1875 there had been more than 2,000 patents Even as early as 1875 there had been more than 2,000 patents issued for various washing devices. Not every idea worked, of issued for various washing devices. Not every idea worked, of course. One company built a machine designed to wash only course. One company built a machine designed to wash only one item at a time. one item at a time.

• What may have been the first "laundromat" was opened in What may have been the first "laundromat" was opened in 1851 by a gold miner and a carpenter in California. Their 12-1851 by a gold miner and a carpenter in California. Their 12-shirt machine was powered by 10 donkeys. shirt machine was powered by 10 donkeys.

• Earliest washers were hand powered by means of a wheel, Earliest washers were hand powered by means of a wheel, pump handle or similar device. One, was driven by twisted pump handle or similar device. One, was driven by twisted ropes which powered the washer by "unwinding" somewhat ropes which powered the washer by "unwinding" somewhat like the use of a rubber band to power model airplanes. One like the use of a rubber band to power model airplanes. One washer contained rollers which were pushed back and forth washer contained rollers which were pushed back and forth by hand to squeeze out dirt. Several featured "stomping" by hand to squeeze out dirt. Several featured "stomping" devices and one - called a "Locamotive" was moved rapidly devices and one - called a "Locamotive" was moved rapidly back and forth on a track washing the clothes by slamming back and forth on a track washing the clothes by slamming them against the walls of the tub.them against the walls of the tub.

Vacuum Cleaners• In 1907 an American named James Murray Spangler, In 1907 an American named James Murray Spangler,

who was working as a cleaner, Designed the first small who was working as a cleaner, Designed the first small electric cleaner. he sold the patent to a harness maker electric cleaner. he sold the patent to a harness maker named Hoover. By the 1920's Bothe started to produce his named Hoover. By the 1920's Bothe started to produce his own range of electric cleaners under the Goblin name. He own range of electric cleaners under the Goblin name. He had 2500 door to door sales representative's in England had 2500 door to door sales representative's in England selling mainly under hire purchase. Both the Hoover and selling mainly under hire purchase. Both the Hoover and the Goblin range were very successful and are still the Goblin range were very successful and are still operating today selling machines that have not changed operating today selling machines that have not changed much in basic design since their first prototype.much in basic design since their first prototype.

• In 1908 Hoover introduced the Model O vacuum, the first In 1908 Hoover introduced the Model O vacuum, the first to use both a cloth filter bag and cleaning attachments. to use both a cloth filter bag and cleaning attachments. The machine weighed only 40 lbs. The machine weighed only 40 lbs.

• Hoover developed positive agitation in 1926, and this Hoover developed positive agitation in 1926, and this greatly increased the dirt removal efficiency of the greatly increased the dirt removal efficiency of the vacuum. The Model 700 featured a rigid beater bar which vacuum. The Model 700 featured a rigid beater bar which was used in combination with the brush on the agitator to was used in combination with the brush on the agitator to dislodge dirt from the carpet. dislodge dirt from the carpet.

Bonnie and Clyde• Clyde Champion Barrow and his companion, Bonnie Parker, Clyde Champion Barrow and his companion, Bonnie Parker,

were shot to death by officers in an ambush near Sailes, were shot to death by officers in an ambush near Sailes, Bienville Parish, Louisiana, on May 23, 1934, after one of the Bienville Parish, Louisiana, on May 23, 1934, after one of the most colorful and spectacular manhunts the Nation had seen up most colorful and spectacular manhunts the Nation had seen up to that time.to that time.

• Barrow was suspected of numerous killings and was wanted for Barrow was suspected of numerous killings and was wanted for murder, robbery, and state charges of kidnapping.murder, robbery, and state charges of kidnapping.

• At the time they were killed in 1934, they were believed to have At the time they were killed in 1934, they were believed to have committed 13 murders and several robberies and burglaries. committed 13 murders and several robberies and burglaries. Barrow, for example, was suspected of murdering two police Barrow, for example, was suspected of murdering two police officers at Joplin, Missouri, and kidnaping a man and a woman officers at Joplin, Missouri, and kidnaping a man and a woman in rural Louisiana. in rural Louisiana.

• Numerous sightings followed, linking this pair with bank Numerous sightings followed, linking this pair with bank robberies and automobile thefts. Clyde allegedly murdered a robberies and automobile thefts. Clyde allegedly murdered a man at Hillsboro, Texas; committed robberies at Lufkin and man at Hillsboro, Texas; committed robberies at Lufkin and Dallas, Texas; murdered one sheriff and wounded another at Dallas, Texas; murdered one sheriff and wounded another at Stringtown, Oklahoma; kidnaped a deputy at Carlsbad, New Stringtown, Oklahoma; kidnaped a deputy at Carlsbad, New Mexico; stole an automobile at Victoria, Texas; attempted to Mexico; stole an automobile at Victoria, Texas; attempted to murder a deputy at Wharton, Texas; committed murder and murder a deputy at Wharton, Texas; committed murder and robbery at Abilene and Sherman, Texas; committed murder at robbery at Abilene and Sherman, Texas; committed murder at Dallas, Texas; abducted a sheriff and the chief of police at Dallas, Texas; abducted a sheriff and the chief of police at Wellington, Texas; and committed murder at Joplin and Wellington, Texas; and committed murder at Joplin and Columbia, Missouri.Columbia, Missouri.

Some day they will go down together, And they will bury them side by side, To a few it means grief, To the law it's relief, But it's death to Bonnie and Clyde.

Scopes Trial• THE THE CAST: CAST:

• Clarence Darrow,famed and brilliant lawyer specializing in Clarence Darrow,famed and brilliant lawyer specializing in defending underdogs, who volunteered for this case to help combat defending underdogs, who volunteered for this case to help combat fundamentalist ignorance fundamentalist ignorance

• John T. Scopes, a 24-year old science teacher and football coachJohn T. Scopes, a 24-year old science teacher and football coach

v.s.v.s.

• William Jennings Bryan,William Jennings Bryan, famed orator, fundamentalist and famed orator, fundamentalist and presidential candidate.presidential candidate.

• The world's attention was riveted on Dayton, Tennessee, The world's attention was riveted on Dayton, Tennessee, during July, 1925. At issue was the constitutionality of the "Butler during July, 1925. At issue was the constitutionality of the "Butler Law," which prohibited the teaching of evolution in the classroom. Law," which prohibited the teaching of evolution in the classroom. Oklahoma, Florida, Mississippi, North Carolina and Kentucky Oklahoma, Florida, Mississippi, North Carolina and Kentucky already had such laws. already had such laws.

• The ACLU hoped to use the Scopes case to test (and The ACLU hoped to use the Scopes case to test (and defeat)Fundamentalist meddling in politics. defeat)Fundamentalist meddling in politics. Judge John Raulston began the trial by reading the first 27 verses of Judge John Raulston began the trial by reading the first 27 verses of Genesis.Genesis.

• Clarence Darrow said: "Science gets to the end of its knowledge and, Clarence Darrow said: "Science gets to the end of its knowledge and, in effect, says, 'I do not know what I do not know,' and keeps on in effect, says, 'I do not know what I do not know,' and keeps on searching. Religion gets to the end of its knowledge, and in effect, searching. Religion gets to the end of its knowledge, and in effect, says, 'I know what I do not know,' and stops searching. says, 'I know what I do not know,' and stops searching.

Darrow Bryan

Charles Lindbergh• Lindbergh Does It! To Paris in 33 1/2 Hours; Flies Lindbergh Does It! To Paris in 33 1/2 Hours; Flies

1,000 Miles Through Snow and Sleet; Cheering French 1,000 Miles Through Snow and Sleet; Cheering French Carry Him Off FieldCarry Him Off FieldNew York Times, May 21, 1927, May 21, 1927

• Lindbergh, Charles Augustus (1902-1974), an American Lindbergh, Charles Augustus (1902-1974), an American aviator, made the first solo nonstop flight across the Atlantic aviator, made the first solo nonstop flight across the Atlantic Ocean on May 20-21, 1927. Other pilots had crossed the Ocean on May 20-21, 1927. Other pilots had crossed the Atlantic before him. But Lindbergh was the first person to do Atlantic before him. But Lindbergh was the first person to do it alone nonstop. it alone nonstop.

• Lindbergh's feat gained him immediate, international fame. Lindbergh's feat gained him immediate, international fame. The press named him "Lucky Lindy" and the "Lone Eagle." The press named him "Lucky Lindy" and the "Lone Eagle." Americans and Europeans idolized the shy, slim young man Americans and Europeans idolized the shy, slim young man and showered him with honors. and showered him with honors.

• Before Japan attacked Pearl Harbor in 1941, Lindbergh Before Japan attacked Pearl Harbor in 1941, Lindbergh campaigned against voluntary American involvement in campaigned against voluntary American involvement in World War II. Many Americans criticized him for his World War II. Many Americans criticized him for his noninvolvement beliefs. After the war, he avoided publicity noninvolvement beliefs. After the war, he avoided publicity until the late 1960's, when he spoke out for the conservation until the late 1960's, when he spoke out for the conservation of natural resources. Lindbergh served as an adviser in the of natural resources. Lindbergh served as an adviser in the aviation industry from the days of wood and wire airplanes to aviation industry from the days of wood and wire airplanes to

supersonic jets.supersonic jets.

Flappers• The flapper was "modern." The flapper was "modern."

• Lively and full of energy, she was single but Lively and full of energy, she was single but eligible. eligible.

• With short hair and a short skirt, with turned-With short hair and a short skirt, with turned-down hose and powdered knees - the flapper down hose and powdered knees - the flapper must have seemed to her mother (the gentle must have seemed to her mother (the gentle Gibson girl of an earlier generation) like a rebel. Gibson girl of an earlier generation) like a rebel.

• No longer confined to home and tradition, the No longer confined to home and tradition, the typical flapper was a young women who was typical flapper was a young women who was often thought of as a little fast and maybe even a often thought of as a little fast and maybe even a little brazenlittle brazen

• These young women further blurred the These young women further blurred the boundaries between respectable and depraved boundaries between respectable and depraved by their public activities; swearing, smoking by their public activities; swearing, smoking cigarettes, drinking alcohol, dancing, and dating cigarettes, drinking alcohol, dancing, and dating were among her pastimes. were among her pastimes.

Slang

• ankle: to walk, i.e.. "Let's ankle!”

• apple sauce: flattery, nonsense, i.e.. "Aw, applesauce!”

• beeswax: business, i.e. "None of your beeswax." Student.

• Tin Pan Alley: the music industry in New York, located between 48th and 52nd Streets

• palooka: (1) a below-average or average boxer (2) a social outsider, from the comic strip character Joe Palooka, who came from humble ethnic roots

• killjoy: a solemn person

• Bee's Knees - An extraordinary person,

thing, idea; the ultimate. • Cat's Meow - Something splendid or stylish;

similar to bee's knees; The best or greatest, wonderful. Cat's Pajamas - Same as cat's meow.

• Heebie-Jeebies - The jitters. • Sheba - A woman with sex appeal (from

the move Queen of Sheba) or (e.g. Clara Bow). Sheik - A man with sex appeal (from the Valentino movies).

• Spiffy - An elegant appearance. • Swell - Wonderful. Also: a rich man. Take

for a Ride - To drive off with someone in order to bump them off. Torpedo - A hired

gun.

The Jazz Age• Nothing quite like it had ever Nothing quite like it had ever

happened before in America. And by happened before in America. And by the mid-1920s, jazz was being played the mid-1920s, jazz was being played in dance halls and roadhouses and in dance halls and roadhouses and speakeasies all over the country. The speakeasies all over the country. The blues, which had once been the blues, which had once been the product of itinerant black musicians, product of itinerant black musicians, the poorest of the southern poor, had the poorest of the southern poor, had become an industry, and dancing become an industry, and dancing consumed a country that seemed consumed a country that seemed convinced prosperity would never end.convinced prosperity would never end.

• Dances like the Lindy Hop, Dances like the Lindy Hop, Charleston, Shimmy, Blackbottom, the Charleston, Shimmy, Blackbottom, the Break-a-way, Texas Tommy, Cake Break-a-way, Texas Tommy, Cake Walk, Turkey Trot, Grizzley Bear, Walk, Turkey Trot, Grizzley Bear, and Apache Dance.and Apache Dance.

1920’s Fads • His name was Alvin Kelly but he was best known as His name was Alvin Kelly but he was best known as

"Shipwreck" Kelly. Employed as a professional "Shipwreck" Kelly. Employed as a professional stuntman in Hollywood, Kelly decided to attempt to stuntman in Hollywood, Kelly decided to attempt to sit on a flagpole in response to a dare from a sit on a flagpole in response to a dare from a Hollywood friend. He sat upon the pole for 13 hours Hollywood friend. He sat upon the pole for 13 hours and 13 minutes and began a national spectacle. and 13 minutes and began a national spectacle.

• Kelly's stunt occurred in 1924 and within weeks Kelly's stunt occurred in 1924 and within weeks hundreds of people were trying to call themselves hundreds of people were trying to call themselves the "King of the Pole." One man sat for 12 days, the "King of the Pole." One man sat for 12 days, another for 17 and another for 21 days. Public another for 17 and another for 21 days. Public fascination was phenomenal as huge crowds would fascination was phenomenal as huge crowds would gather to watch the participant. With such a large gather to watch the participant. With such a large audience, the publicity-hungry Kelly decided that he audience, the publicity-hungry Kelly decided that he must once again be King. In Atlantic City, New must once again be King. In Atlantic City, New Jersey, Kelly sat atop a flagpole for a record 49 days Jersey, Kelly sat atop a flagpole for a record 49 days

in front of an audience of 20,000 admirers.in front of an audience of 20,000 admirers.

1920’s Fads • In the early 1930s, during the height of The In the early 1930s, during the height of The

Depression, young people across America gathered Depression, young people across America gathered to participate in Dance Marathons. These endurance to participate in Dance Marathons. These endurance contests offered the unemployed hopes of temporary contests offered the unemployed hopes of temporary fame, small fortune, and the opportunity to dance fame, small fortune, and the opportunity to dance their cares away. Prizes ranged anywhere between their cares away. Prizes ranged anywhere between $1000 to $5000, but many contestants participated $1000 to $5000, but many contestants participated solely for the promise of food and shelter. Serious solely for the promise of food and shelter. Serious competitors danced for days, even weeks at a time. competitors danced for days, even weeks at a time. The record stands at 5,148 hours and 28.5 minutes. The record stands at 5,148 hours and 28.5 minutes. The contestants were usually allowed a mere 15 The contestants were usually allowed a mere 15 minutes of rest for every hour of dancing. Success minutes of rest for every hour of dancing. Success came to those who had the ability to keep their came to those who had the ability to keep their partner moving at all times; style was irrelevant.partner moving at all times; style was irrelevant.

• Hot toys included the Hot toys included the erector set, , tinker toys, and , and lincoln logs. The . The Ouija BoardOuija Board became popular. Sales became popular. Sales of this game soared.of this game soared.

1920’s Sports

Up until 1922, no swimmer, male or female, had been able to swim the 100 meters in under a minute's time. American Johnny Weissmuller (1904 - 1984), an exception to the record books, broke the record with 58.6 seconds swimming freestyle on July 9. This, however, was not Weissmuller's only feat. He went on to win three gold medals at the 1924 Olympics in Paris, France, and two gold medals at the 1928 Olympics in Amsterdam. In his career, he claimed 52 U.S. titles and 28 world distance records. 1st “Tarzan” in the movies.

Gertrude Ederle (1906 - ), who was born on October 23, 1906, was a superb swimmer. Not only did she win three Olympic medallions and break several records, but to top it all off, she went on to become the first woman to swim across the English Channel. When she swam the 21 miles on August 6, 1926, Ederle was only nineteen. Her time: 14 hours and 31 minutes - good enough to beat the previously set men's record.

George Herman Ruth (1895 - 1948), often known to his fans as Babe Ruth, hit a total of 60 home runs in 1927. This record-breaker would remain a record itself until 1961, when Roger Eugene Maris (1934 - 85) hit 61 home runs. Babe Ruth, who earned more than $2 million in his career, was known by several other names as well. These included: the Bambino, the Behemoth of Bust, the Blunderbuss, the Colossus of Clout, the Mammoth of Maul, the Mauling Mastodon, the Mauling Monarch, the Prince of Powders, the Rajah of Rap, the Sultan of Swat, and the Wazir of Wham. Among all of his other accomplishments, this southpaw pitcher was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1936.

1920’s Sports• Like Babe Ruth is to baseball so is Man O' War is to horse Like Babe Ruth is to baseball so is Man O' War is to horse

racing. The horse they called Big Red burst onto the scene as a racing. The horse they called Big Red burst onto the scene as a two year old and would win 20 of 21 races. As a three-year-old two year old and would win 20 of 21 races. As a three-year-old he did not lose when he did race he often gave 30 pounds to his he did not lose when he did race he often gave 30 pounds to his rivals. Although he did not win the Triple Crown it was only rivals. Although he did not win the Triple Crown it was only because he did not race in the Kentucky Derby.because he did not race in the Kentucky Derby.

• Legendary Notre Dame Football coach Knute Rockne in 1924 Legendary Notre Dame Football coach Knute Rockne in 1924 featured one of the greatest backfields in college football history. featured one of the greatest backfields in college football history. They were Harry Stuhldreher, Jim Crowley, Don Miller and They were Harry Stuhldreher, Jim Crowley, Don Miller and Elmer Layden. They got their nickname the four horseman by Elmer Layden. They got their nickname the four horseman by sports writer Grantland Rice who compared them to those of sports writer Grantland Rice who compared them to those of biblical fame. " Outlined against a blue-gray October sky the biblical fame. " Outlined against a blue-gray October sky the four horseman rode again”four horseman rode again”

• Red Grange became a household name when he scored 5 Red Grange became a household name when he scored 5 touchdowns against Michigan. However his biggest touchdowns against Michigan. However his biggest accomplishment was probably establishing the pro game. Up to accomplishment was probably establishing the pro game. Up to that point the NFL was in the same category as monster truck that point the NFL was in the same category as monster truck shows are today. Well that changed when Red Grange decided to shows are today. Well that changed when Red Grange decided to go pro after his final college game. “Galloping Ghost”go pro after his final college game. “Galloping Ghost”

• Jack Dempsey was not just the greatest heavyweight of the Jack Dempsey was not just the greatest heavyweight of the decade but usually makes anyone short list for the best of all-decade but usually makes anyone short list for the best of all-time. He was a fierce fighter and usually awarded boxing fans time. He was a fierce fighter and usually awarded boxing fans with exciting fights. This made him very popular figure of the with exciting fights. This made him very popular figure of the day, along with Babe Ruth he was probably the most well known day, along with Babe Ruth he was probably the most well known sportsmen of his time. He also took par in one of the most famous sportsmen of his time. He also took par in one of the most famous fights in boxing history " The Long Count fight in a rematch fights in boxing history " The Long Count fight in a rematch

with Gene Tunney.with Gene Tunney.

The four Horsemen

Man O’ War

Red Grange