America, 1920–1973: Opportunity and Inequality

Overview:

The period from 1920 to 1973 in American history was marked by significant economic, social, and political changes. The 1920s, known as the "Roaring Twenties," was a time of prosperity and cultural change, but it was followed by the devastation of the Great Depression. The post-World War II years saw a return to economic growth, but also increasing inequalities, especially in terms of race, gender, and wealth. The Civil Rights Movement, the New Deal, and changes in gender roles will all be key focuses in understanding this period.

This page will cover the following key areas of study:

• The Economic Boom of the 1920s and the Great Depression

• The Rise of the Civil Rights Movement

• The New Deal and Government Intervention

• Post-War Prosperity and Social Change

• Revision Resources & Exam Tips

1. The Economic Boom of the 1920s and the Great Depression

Background:

• The 1920s saw rapid economic growth and prosperity, which many Americans believed would continue indefinitely. This period also witnessed significant cultural and technological advancements, but it was followed by the Great Depression, which dramatically altered the country's economic landscape.

Key Events in the 1920s Economic Boom:

• Mass Production and Consumerism: The development of assembly line techniques, especially in the automobile industry (led by Henry Ford), made goods cheaper and more accessible. This created a culture of consumerism.

• Stock Market Boom: The stock market saw rapid growth, with many people investing, sometimes speculatively, in hopes of quick profits.

• Technological Advancements: Innovations such as the Model T car, radios, and household appliances helped drive economic growth.

The Great Depression (1929–1939):

• Stock Market Crash of 1929: The boom came to an abrupt end when the stock market crashed in October 1929, leading to widespread unemployment, poverty, and bank failures.

• Unemployment and Poverty: By 1933, over 25% of Americans were unemployed, and many families faced dire poverty.

• Dust Bowl: Severe droughts in the Midwest, known as the Dust Bowl, further devastated agriculture and forced many families to migrate westward in search of work.

Key Issues to Revise:

• The causes of the economic boom in the 1920s, including the role of mass production and technological advancements.

• The causes and impact of the Great Depression, including the effects on unemployment and poverty.

• The Dust Bowl and its impact on agriculture and migration patterns.

2. The Rise of the Civil Rights Movement

Background:

• The fight for civil rights gained momentum during this period as African Americans and other minority groups pushed for greater equality in both the social and political arenas. The Civil Rights Movement would eventually lead to significant legal and social changes, especially in the 1960s.

Key Events and Figures:

• The Harlem Renaissance (1920s): A cultural movement centered in Harlem, New York, which celebrated African American art, music, and literature. It played a crucial role in raising awareness of racial inequality.

• The Civil Rights Movement (1950s–1960s): In the post-World War II era, the movement gained strength, with leaders like Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, and Malcolm X advocating for racial equality and desegregation.

  • Montgomery Bus Boycott (1955-1956): Sparked by Rosa Parks’ arrest, this boycott was a pivotal moment in the movement.

  • The March on Washington (1963): A massive rally where Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his famous "I Have a Dream" speech.

  • Civil Rights Act of 1964: Landmark legislation that outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.

  • Voting Rights Act of 1965: Ensured that African Americans were able to exercise their right to vote.

Key Issues to Revise:

• The role of the Harlem Renaissance in raising awareness about racial inequality.

• The significance of key events such as the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the March on Washington.

• The passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

3. The New Deal and Government Intervention

Background:

• The New Deal, introduced by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in response to the Great Depression, was a series of programs, public works projects, and reforms aimed at providing relief, recovery, and reform to the American economy. It represented a shift in the role of the federal government in American life.

Key New Deal Programs:

• The New Deal’s "Three Rs": Relief (helping the unemployed), Recovery (stimulating economic growth), and Reform (preventing future depressions).

• Social Security Act (1935): Established a system of social welfare for the elderly, the unemployed, and the disabled.

• Works Progress Administration (WPA): Created millions of jobs for the unemployed in public works and infrastructure projects.

• Banking Reforms: The Glass-Steagall Act (1933) helped stabilize the banking system by separating commercial and investment banking.

Key Issues to Revise:

• The goals of the New Deal and its impact on different social groups, including African Americans, women, and the elderly.

• The successes and failures of key New Deal programs, such as the WPA and Social Security Act.

• The debate over the extent of government intervention in the economy.

4. Post-War Prosperity and Social Change

Background:

• After World War II, the U.S. experienced a period of economic growth, but this also coincided with significant social changes, including the rise of the suburbia, the baby boom, and changes in the roles of women and minorities.

Key Developments in the Post-War Era:

• Economic Boom of the 1950s–1960s: After the war, the U.S. economy grew rapidly, and Americans saw increased standards of living, including the rise of homeownership and consumer spending.

• Suburbanization: The growth of suburbs was spurred by government policies, the GI Bill, and the construction of the Interstate Highway System.

• The Baby Boom: A significant increase in birth rates in the years following the war.

• The Changing Role of Women: The post-war era saw many women leaving the workforce temporarily to raise children, but the 1960s and 1970s saw a resurgence in the women's rights movement.

Key Issues to Revise:

• The causes and effects of the post-war economic boom and the rise of suburbia.

• The social and economic impacts of the baby boom and changing gender roles in the 1950s and 1960s.

• The rise of the women's rights movement and the equal rights struggle during the 1960s and 1970s.

5. Revision Resources

Key Concept Overviews:

• A summary of the major themes of economic prosperity and inequality throughout the period, including the rise of consumer culture, the Great Depression, and the development of the Civil Rights Movement.

Timelines & Diagrams:

• Interactive timelines of major events like the Great Depression, the New Deal, and key civil rights legislation.

• Diagrams illustrating the effects of the Great Depression and how the New Deal programs sought to address them.

Revision Videos:

• The Causes and Effects of the Great Depression: A video breaking down the economic collapse and its impact on American society.

• The Civil Rights Movement: A video covering the key events and figures of the movement, including Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, and the 1963 March on Washington.

Flashcards & Quizzes:

• Flashcards with key terms and definitions from the Great Depression, the New Deal, and the Civil Rights Movement.

• Quizzes testing knowledge on the economic boom of the 1920s, the New Deal programs, and the key figures of the Civil Rights Movement.

6. Exam Tips

• Essay Writing: How to structure essays on topics like the economic impacts of the Great Depression, the success of the New Deal, or the achievements of the Civil Rights Movement.

• Source Analysis: How to analyze historical sources such as speeches, acts of legislation, and images from the 1920s–1970s.

• Time Management: Effective strategies for tackling exam questions, particularly on comparing the economic changes between the 1920s and the post-war period or assessing the significance of key social movements.