Overview: How were tensions of the 1920s and 1930s similar and different in terms of social, political, and economic characteristics?

In this unit, students will explore the transformative period of the 1920s and the profound impact of the Great Depression in the 1930s. They will examine the post-war world with a focus on America's founding ideals and the clash of values between modernists and traditionalists. The unit will delve into the causes of the most severe economic crisis in American history and analyze the government's responses and the resilience of the American people during this challenging time. Students will compare and contrast the tensions that emerged in both decades, considering the social, political, and economic characteristics that shaped American society during these critical moments in history.  Students will understand the social and cultural changes of the 1920s, including the rise of modernist ideas, flapper culture, and the impact of the Harlem Renaissance.  They will analyze the clash of values between modernists and traditionalists, including debates over issues such as evolution, immigration, and prohibition.  Students will also investigate the economic factors that led to the Great Depression, such as the stock market crash of 1929, bank failures, and unemployment.  They will analyze the government's responses to the economic crisis, including the New Deal programs and their impact on American society.  They will explore how the post-war world tested America's founding ideals and gave rise to cultural tensions, as well as the resilience and endurance of the American people during the economic crisis. 

The highlighted evidence outcomes are the priority for all students, serving as the essential concepts and skills. It is recommended that the remaining evidence outcomes listed be addressed as time allows, representing the full breadth of the curriculum.

Students Can (Evidence Outcomes):

• Formulate compelling and supporting questions after evaluating primary sources for point of view and historical context. (1.1.a)

• Gather and analyze historical information to address questions from a range of primary and secondary sources containing a variety of perspectives. (1.1.b)

• Gather and analyze historical information from a range of qualitative and quantitative sources. For example: demographic, economic, social, and political data. (1.1.c)

• Construct and defend a historical argument that evaluates interpretations by analyzing, critiquing, and synthesizing evidence from the full range of relevant historical sources. (1.1.d)

• Investigate causes and effects of significant events throughout United States history. For example: World and national conflicts (e.g., Spanish American War, the continued conflict over Indigenous lands, and the Tulsa Massacre), urbanization and suburbanization (e.g., Great Migration and Levittown), economic cycles (e.g., The Great Depression and the 2008 Great Recession), and both popular and counterculture movements. (1.2.b)

• Examine and evaluate issues of unity and diversity from Reconstruction to present. For example: The systemic impact of racism and nativism (e.g., Jim Crow, affirmative action, and mass incarceration), the definition and role of patriotism, expansion and limitations of rights, and the role of religion. (1.2.d)

• Analyze the origins of fundamental political debates and how opposing perspectives, compromise, and cooperation have shaped national unity and diversity. For example: suffrage, human and civil rights, and the role of government. (1.2.g)

• Describe and analyze the historical development and impact of the arts and literature on the culture of the United States. Including but not limited to: the writings of the Muckrakers, political cartoons, Americana, the Harlem Renaissance, the Lost Generation, Jazz, Rock and Roll, protest songs and American literature. (1.2.i)

• Explain the economic way of thinking: The condition of scarcity requires choice and choice has a cost (opportunity cost). (3.1.a)

• Explore the role of government in addressing market failures. For example: Monopoly power/antitrust legislation, public goods, negative/positive externalities, the environment, property rights, regulation, access to essential goods and services, and income distribution. (3.2.d)

•  Explore the multiple roles governments can play dealing with economic crises, including monetary and fiscal policy changes, and reallocation of resources and redistribution of wealth. (3.2.f)

• Describe how economic indicators provide various perspectives of the health of the economy and vary with the business cycle. Including but not limited to: Gross Domestic Product (GDP), inflation, unemployment, and other non-traditional indicators. (3.3.a)

• Describe how fiscal and monetary policy are used to manipulate the economy including their potential lasting consequences. (3.3.b)

• Explore how all policies have costs and benefits that impact participants of an economic system in different ways. (3.3.c)