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Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Politics and News - Isabelle Yaramenko
Music - Daniel Gutkin
Film - Betsy Fridman
Advertising - Max Polonsky
Television and Radio - Mimi Feinman
Politics and News:
Politics and News:
1900-1909
1900-1909
Child Labor
By 1899, 28 states had passed laws regulating child labor, but child labor was a common practice during the Industrial Revolution, and children were often forced to forgo an education to work long hours for little money. In the United States, some states passed laws against child labor in the 19th century, but they were not always enforced. In 1900, the beginning of the Progressive Era, an estimated 18 percent of all American workers were children under the age of 16. State legislatures, at the behest of child labor reform committees, began restricting child labor between 1902 and 1915.
Women’s Voting Rights
The creation of the National American Women’s Suffrage Association in 1890 cemented the renewal of the women’s suffrage movement, which gained prominence in the 1850s but then faded during the Civil War.
Exposing Corruption
Journalists in the early 1900s exposed the harsh of realities of government corruption and faulty labor practices to the American public. For example, the publication of Upton Sinclair’s novel “The Jungle," which detailed horrifying sanitary conditions and labor exploitation in meat-packing facilities, sparked the Pure Food and Drug Act and the Meat Inspection Acts passed in 1906. The era’s emphasis on public political participation also led to a number of election reforms, such as the creation of the recall, referendum and direct primary elections.
1910-1919
1910-1919
Child Labor
Although federal child labor restrictions passed in 1916 and 1918 were declared unconstitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court, the child labor reform movement continued to gain momentum.
Corruption/ Substance Abuse
In 1918 Congress passed the 18th amendment, banning the manufacture, transportation and sale of alcoholic beverages within the U.S.
Women's Rights
Some states in the West – such as Washington, Kansas, Nebraska and Arizona – extended the vote to women between 1910 and 1912.
WW1
April 6, 1917, American congress voted 82 to 6 to declare war on Germany after Germany announced the resumption of unrestricted warfare in war-zone waters.
Furthermore, President Wilson negotiated an end to the conflict based on his 14-point plan for achieving lasting peace. It included an end to secret international agreements, free trade between nations, a reduction in national armaments, self-rule for European nations, and formation of an association , or a League of Nations to help guarantee political independence and territorial integrity for large and small countries alike. The final peace treaty, however, contained virtually none of these points, as the victors insisted on harsh punishment, though Wilson's idea of a League of Nations remained in the Treaty.
1920-1929
1920-1929
Great Depression
The Great Depression started in 1929
On October 24th 1929, also known as Black Thursday, stock prices plummeted and panic ensued as people tried to sell stock for any price they could get. By the 29th of October, stocks completely collapsed and banks began calling in loans. An estimated $30 billion in stock values "disappeared" by mid-November.
Later in November, President Herbert Hoover stated, "Any lack of confidence in the economic future or the basic strength of business in the United States is foolish."
Women's Rights
After the end of World War I, during which women contributed significantly to the war effort, women were officially granted voting rights with the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution in 1920.
Though slow to use their newly won voting rights, by the end of the decade, women were represented on local, state, and national political committees and were influencing the political agenda of the federal government. More emphasis began to be put on social improvement, such as protective laws for child labor and prison reform. Women active in politics in 1929 still had little power, but they had begun the journey to actual political equality.
Child Labor
The U.S. Congress passed two laws, in 1918 and 1922, but the Supreme Court declared both unconstitutional. Later in 1924, Congress proposed a constitutional amendment prohibiting child labor, but the states did not agree with it.
1930-1939
1930-1939
Child Labor Laws
In 1938, Congress passed the Fair Labor Standards Act, it addressed problems, such as, minimum ages of 16 for work during school hours, 14 for certain jobs after school, and 18 for dangerous work. Today all the states and the U.S. government have laws regulating child labor.
Great Depression
By March 1930, more than 3.2 million people are unemployed. However President Hoover remains optimistic, stating that "all the evidences indicate that the worst effects of the crash upon unemployment will have passed during the next 60 days."
In February 1931, "Food riots" (where large masses of people stole from grocery and clothing stores) had begun to break out, for instance, several hundred men and women smashed the windows of a grocery market and ran off with fruit, canned goods, bacon, and ham. When one of the store's owners had pulled out a gun to stop the looters, he was attacked and had his arm broken. In the end, this riot was brought under control by over 100 policemen.
In December 1931, New York's Bank of the United States collapses. When the bank had collapsed, the bank had been holding over 200 million dollars, in deposits.
In November 1932, Franklin D. Roosevelt is elected president over Herbert Hoover. Roosevelt hinted at the shape of a plan, better known as the "New Deal" which outlined the role that the federal government would play in helping restore the economy and insuring that all Americans had an opportunity to have successful lives.
By March 9th 1933 (five months after Roosevelt's election), Congress passed the Emergency Banking Act of 1933, which promised that by month's end, three-quarters of the nation's closed banks would be back up again.
In June 1935, the National Youth Administration, or NYA, was set up to tend to the needs of young men and women. The NYA worked on two levels: a student-work program and an out-of-school program. The student-work program provided students with jobs that would pay them enough to stay in school and help support their families. The out-of-school program gave young people, who had finished or left school, various jobs and eventually also job training.
In March 1937, the economic recovery made possible by Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal program, slows as unemployment rises. Roosevelt's opponents called this the beginning of the "Roosevelt Recession."
1940-1949
1940-1949
WWII
By 1942 all men, from ages 18 to 64, were required to be drafted and eventually thirty six million men registered. Individuals were selected from this mass of people for examination, to determine if a man was fit to enter the military. They were selected using factors, such as, the man's occupation, his health, and his family situation.
The Great Depression
Following Japan bombing Pearl Harbor on December 1941, the U.S. entered the war, which jump-started the U.S. economic industry and ended the Great Depression.
Women’s Rights
In 1942, The Women's Army Corps, or the WAC, and Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service, or Waves, are formed and Congress authorized women to serve in the U.S. Navy.
Later when the men's baseball leagues were disbanded in 1942 because of World War 2, women's baseball leagues began to form in 1943.
In 1942, when men went off to fight World War 2 in Europe, women began to pick up where men left off in factories. Furthermore, almost six million women created tanks, bombs, planes, and weapons used to win the war.
American Value System through News and POLITICS
American Value System through News and POLITICS
Women's Rights has progressed for over a century, but still atleast have of the population has not broken the glass ceiling. However, throughout the first half of the 20th century child labor was extinguished and about 20% of the american population has been guaranteed. So in some ways American culture has progressed, but in some ways we are moving at a snail's pace.
Music:
"That Certain Feeling" was a jazz song that came out in 1925. It was a classic back then and was played a lot during the 1900's. George Gershwin was an American piano artist who composed and wrote music. His music was considered popular and hit the pop genre as well as the classical genre. Gershwin was born on September 26, 1898 in Brooklyn New York. He dropped out of school at age 15 to do piano professionally. Gershwin appeared in many jazz, opera, and classical songs which people seemed to love and were able to relate too. His music was almost played in every household.
"Careless Love Blues" was a song in the blues genre. It was released in 1925 and became a huge hit in the 1900's. Bessie Smith also had famous songs like "Backwater Blues" and "Down Hearted Blues." Bessie Smith was born on April 15, 1894 in southeastern Tennessee and was nicknamed the empress of the blues. She was one of the most popular female singers in the 1920's and 1930's. Many people argue that she was the best singer of her era. She also influenced many jazz singers.
"Ain't She Sweet?" was a song created in 1927. Gene Austin was born on June 24, 1900 in Gainesville, north Texas. He was a pop and jazz singer famous in the 1900's. Gene Austin also performed in 2 movies and was considered one of the most popular male singer of his time. Gene Austin served in the US army in 1916. He later then became a singer and was a "soft-voiced American singer" people say. He played the piano and was a songwriter as well. He influenced many young male singers to sing and sang in a way that was different.
"Yes,Sir! That's My Baby!" Was a popular song from 1925. Originally by Lee Morse, other singers like Ricky Nelson and Frank Sinatra later sung it and had a hit. Lee Morse was an American jazz and blues singer/songwriter, actress, and guitar player born on November, 30 1897. She published over 30 songs which almost all became hits. This song was known throughout the 1900's because it was resung many many times. People loved her and her songs. They thought she had a beautiful voice.
"I've Got A Pocket Full Of Dreams" was a huge hit which was later resung by many famous singers like Louis Armstrong. Bing Crosby was a pop singer born on May 3rd, 1903 in Washington. Bing Crosby also appeared in many movies and TV shows like "The Bing Crosby Show." In fact he appeared in over 40 movies! Bing Crosby also sang many Christmas songs and was a really famous guy because of how talented he was. This song had a good message and inspired a lot of people."I've Got a Pocket Full of Dreams" showed that if you believe in something, and you work hard to get it, you can achieve it.
film
film
The Wizard of Oz - 1939 - Victor Fleming
The Wizard of Oz - 1939 - Victor Fleming
"The Wizard of Oz" was the most successful adaptation of the novel, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, by L. Frank Baum. It is a movie about a girl, Dorothy, and her trip to Emerald City. On her way there, she meets different creatures with different personalities.
"The Wizard of Oz" has been identified as important to the LGBT community. Robert Hopcke, an author, said that the dreary reality of Kansas implies the presence of homophobia and is contrasted with the colorful and accepting land of Oz. He states that when the film was shown in gay venues, it was "transformed into a rite, celebrating acceptance and community." This shows that all people were treated equally, no matter what race or gender they were. However, that was not always the case in the 1900's.
Throughout the years, the LGBT group has gotten treated better and accepted more in society, and "The Wizard of Oz" helped it a lot.
The Battle Cry of Peace - 1915 - J. Stuart Blackton
The Battle Cry of Peace - 1915 - J. Stuart Blackton
"The Battle Cry of Peace" was a silent drama film that was released during World War 1. It was the greatest war drama ever. It was the first propaganda film used to convince Americans that the United States needed to prepare and be ready to fight in World War 1 against any country that invades America.
Since at that time, the United States were not involved in the war, "The Battle Cry of Peace" showed all Americans what horrors and dangers the war would bring them if their enemies attacked them. Also, it warns America of the peril of a weak military that can't fight back. Yet the main purpose of the film was to have a plea made for Americans to support their military preparedness.
"The Battle Cry of Peace" was useful and helpful to American during the time of World War 1. It showed what would happen to America if they weren't prepared, so if it wasn't for this film, American may have done worse in the war.
The Great Dictator - 1940 - Charlie Chaplin
The Great Dictator - 1940 - Charlie Chaplin
"The Great Dictator" is an American political, comedy, and drama film. It was written, directed, produced, scored by, and starring Charlie Chaplin. This film was meant to be a satire at Adolf Hitler, the Nazi Party, and their values.
This film shows how cruelly oppressed Jewish people were by the powerful rule of Adenoid Hynkel (Hitler). The main character in this film was a Jewish barber, who was arrested for trying to resist against the horrible treatment the Jewish people got (from the rule of Adenoid Hynkel). At the end of the film, Chaplin, as the barber, dresses up as Adenoid Hynkel, and says a speech against dictators for peace and love among all people.
Les Misérables - 1935 - Richard Boleslawski
Les Misérables - 1935 - Richard Boleslawski
In "Les Misérables", a former convict, Jean Valjean, was imprisoned because he stole bread to help his sisters family. When he was released from jail, he wanted to change his life, but realized that many people are not forgiving of his past. He works hard and strives to survive. He raises a girl named Cosette. In the end of the movie, he fought in the war and passed away. Cosette married a young student named Marius.
Jean Valjean's adventure shows how if you work hard and don't give up, you will achieve what you need. This is shown because Jean Valjean was poor, and he got arrested for stealing bread for his sisters family, but later in the film, he became mayor of Montreuil-sur-Mer (Cosette's home town) and makes a good fortune.
"Les Misérables" took place in the early 1800's, before the French Revolution. It was centered around the lives of poor people in France, but even if poor people worked hard and didn't give up, then they could be successful.
Looking Forward - 1933 - Clarence Brown
Looking Forward - 1933 - Clarence Brown
"Looking Forward" is a depression-era story of a man who is laid-off from his job, where he worked for 40 years. The title "Looking Forward" is connected to President Franklin Roosevelt, who said, "We need enthusiasm, imagination, and ability to face [the] fact [that] we need the courage of the young."
This film is about a wealthy store owner, Service, who is forced to sell his store during the great depression to support his family. His employee, Benton, now unemployed, creates a successful pastry business. Benton taught the Service how to be optimistic, believe in his future, and not to lose faith in himself.
"Looking Forward" shows that if you believe in yourself and have self confidence, you will achieve great success.
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Sunbrite cleanser
Sunbrite cleanser
In this add as you can tell the woman is portrayed as a tool. In this advertisement the woman is portrayed as a tool. The woman is preparing a meal for her family instead of a job. In this advertisement it assumes that women love to cook and clean. In the 1900-59 the american value system was most
Kodak
Kodak
In this advertisement you can clearly see that the woman is responsible for raising the children becouse she is alone with the camera without the dad. This connects to the American value system becouse it shows that woman are ment for cooking and cleaning.
Martini and Rossi Vermouth
Martini and Rossi Vermouth
In this add you can see the men are injoying themselves and drinking without thier family, unlike the woman who have take care of the kids. Also in the add you can see that the men are desscusing work wch implies only men work and woman do nothing. Connecting to the american value system once again.
Golf bags by Gihon
Golf bags by Gihon
In this picture you can see that only men play sports. In this add you can also see that only men play sports becouse in sports adds only men are featured showing that only men can have fun. It shows us that men are the dominent and more powerful gender. Once again connecting to the American value system men are the more power and important.
United States Army Recruiting Station
United States Army Recruiting Station
In this add you can clearly see that woman are worthless. In this add it shows us that men are better and that all woman want to be men. It tells men to be men and woman to want them. The American value system shows us that men are alot better once again.
Tv & Radio
Tv & Radio
The War Of The Worlds Radio Drama
The War Of The Worlds Radio Drama
In 1938, everyone was listening to radio so millions of people had their radio turned up. Orson Welles caused national panic when he told the story of The War of The Worlds on live radio. The show was a reenactment broadcasted to sound like an actual report of a real martian attack. People who decided to tune in before it was announced to be fiction believed that it wasn't fiction but a real reporter, reporting real events. This caused an uproar in panic civillions running away from a supposing doom. This panic caused numerous accidents, injuries with roads and streets trafficked and filled with terrified people. As people become riddled with more and more fear, the radio show concludes itself with Welles informing everyone that it is the end of a 'Reenactment.'
This is intriguing because this is something like that would never happen in 2017. This is made clear by how many people believe that most news is fake news. With our most popular mainstream media outlits spreading false narratives, there is no question that many people look at news with skepticism. It is fairly challenging now to get people to believe news on the next iPhone, imagine how difficult it would be to convince people of a martian invation.
Mary Kay and Johnny
Mary Kay and Johnny
The first episode of Mary Kay and Johnny was 15 minutes and debuted live on Tuesday, November 8th, 1947. It was also the first series to show a couple sharing a bed and a women's pregnancy. As many sitcoms would follow throughout the next few decades, Johnny was the working man as a banker and Mary was a stay at home women.
This was popular because back in the 1940s there were barely any TV shows so people found this to be new and unique.
Aldrich Family
Aldrich Family
The Aldrich family is a radio/TV show that starred a young awkward teenage boy named Henry Aldrich. This is well known because of the first episode's opening exchange between him and his mother where she yells "HEN-REEEEEEEEE! HENRE ALDRICH!" In response he says "Com-ing mother."
This was popular because it depicted an everyday family with relatable characters like Henry. Henry was an awkward teenager who many other teenagers could relate to. Not only that, but since it was both a radio show and a TV shows, many people could see it, and while it being a time without much TV, there wasn't much competition.
Abbott and Costello
Abbott and Costello
Abbott and Costello was a comedy radio show of the 1940s and it extended to the 1950s.
Bud Abbott was a veteran from a show business family who worked in Coney Island as his own Burlesque touring company. He first worked with his wife Becky, then with other veteran comedians.
Lou Costello had been a burlesque since 1930. After failing as a movie actor as a stunt double and extra, he was introduced as a burlesque on the Ann Corero Show.
I think that this was popular because these two were very funny and had unique and intriguing story.
Amos N Andy
Amos N Andy
Amos N Andy was a radio show debuted on radio on 1926 a comedy show, but became a TV show in 1951.
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