Unit 1 Readings
Post date: Jan 30, 2013 4:37:4 PM
Unit 1 Readings
For this unit, you have three readings concerning events in the 1920's: you will read two primary sources and a historical essay describing an important trial from the era. I chose the readings here to highlight some of the major themes from the 1920's. Although not totally necessary, I strongly recommend watching "The Century, Boom and Bust" before doing the readings. To finish this assignment, download the attachment below and answer the questions.
You will do three readings for this assignment:
Margaret Sanger, "The Morality of Birth Control", 1921
H.L. Mencken, "The Monkey Trial: a Reporter's Account", 1923
Alleged robbers/murderers, Sacco and Vanzetti
The 1920's was a time of dizzying change for Americans. Involvement in WWI had led to rapid technological development, which culminated in major inventions such as home appliances, motion pictures, the radio, all which changed American domestic life. At the same time, the culture was at the apex of the "Jazz Age", which witnessed major changes in social norms, especially involving women and minorities. Abroad, Europe was doing a poor job of rebuilding after the destruction of WWI, and no smaller a player than the Russian Empire had imploded and become the first Marxist nation, causing shock waves across the globe. Many found the rapid change of the era unsettling, and it is this atmosphere that you should consider as you read the selections.
