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How should we tell the story of the 1920s?

Points to consider: Was it a period of positive or negative social and economic change?  For whom?  Was social progress made or did a backlash keep things in check?  Was it a decade of culture war?

See this week's BIG questions for more ideas.

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When telling the story of the 1920s, we need to make sure that we express every side of the story because there was both positive and negative changes that were occuring at this point in time. In relation to women, there was an overall increase in their social status because they gained the right to vote with the passage of the 19th amendment in 1920, and they were also better able to define themselves rather than being defined by their husbands as much. In relation to African Americans, it was a sad and by no means positive time for them because they were still being segregate and harassed by whites. On top of that, the Red Summer had a negative impact on African Americans because of the violence that occured to them causing many of them to be killed or left homeless. Also, the second KKK made sure to keep African Americans in their place and maintain white supremacy even though this was not fair to them and didn't represent true democratic ideals. In relation to economic change, it was generally positive because the economy continued to grow with things like movie theaters, the radio, automobiles, professional sports, and music. However, there was also a negative impact on immigrants since very few were able to be successful, and many of them either worked in lower class jobs or weren't even able to come over because of the restrictions. In conclusion, social progress was made for white men and women; however, I would not say the same for African Americans and immigrants, so it definitely was a decade filled with culture wars since whites wanted to maintain their superiority.

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To tell the story of the 1920, all sides of the story must be told. This era was full of progression for technology, cars, and entertainment which benefited the economy. Women were granted the right to vote in 1920. This gave them a sense of confidence and independence that played a critical role in the mood of the 1920s. Although there were positives, the second KKK worked to make sure that African Americans were unable to progress to equality. The 1920s was a time period filled with culture wars. Women continued to fight for equality, African Americans fought for rights, immigrants fought to work while white men continued to be superior and work to keep it that way.

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To start off the story of the 1920's, it can definitely be concluded that this was a period where the government was trying to scramble for some sort of normalcy after the World War. That the process was to try and save face within the States and Americans who were dealing with the aftermath of the war as well as the flu epidemic. But in regards to economic change, it can be said that this time period was about the flourishing economy and the continuation of the Industrial Revolution with the constant mass production and the advancements on technology for America. This time period opened up new technology that we are able to experience today such as manufactured clothing and home appliances which was not in production before. So for the economy in the 20's, there was progression and the boom in this aspect in America was a positive outlet of this time. A positive that can be discussed in the story of this era is the rise of pop culture and the new outlet for talents that gained popularity during this time period such as sports and music. It gave Americans entertainment and a feel of calmness in the chaotic and troubling time that after the war brought to many. As said in the American Yawp,"Neither Dempsey nor Ruth nor Lindbergh made Americans forget the horrors of World War I and the chaos that followed, but they made it seem as if the future would be that much brighter." Social progress was surely made for mainly white woman in this era through gaining a sense of independence as a woman in early age America but also being able to vote. To further the story of the 1920's, it cannot be denied that while woman 'gained' the right to vote, it mainly impacted the white women because once again, race was problematic. Women of color were not given the right to vote the same time as white women were and this should be reminded as the story is told. Then following this trend of race and racism in the early twentieth century, it is important to note the lynchings and murder of poc during this time. Racism against black individuals where lynching and segregated were allowed played heavily in this period. But, this was also a time where pride as an individual also started to shine through as music and aspects gained popularity which is a positive. A very hard and difficult subject about the 20's is the rise and the actions done by the KKK which left many Americans fearful. The importance in keeping white supremacy was a vital aspect to the group's ideals within murdering black individuals and any who did not live up to their standards. So evidently, like many subjects in history itself, there will be positives and negatives to anything and everything and it is important to include anything in its story.

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When telling the story of the 1920s it's important to share both the negative and positive economic changes that occurred during this time period. A positive outcome that came from this was the women's movement which allowed women to have the right to vote and to have less dependence on tradition and men. While the African Americans had the negative outcome with it all, such as working as hard as they could to bring pleasure for the whites. The social progress kept things going by having rapid industrial, consumer demand, and economic growth within many things. In my opinion I would say the 1920's was meant for both the white men and woman in order to live in a more relaxed era while the natives had it more difficult. The 1920s was a decade filled with culture wars to prove their beliefs.

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We should tell the story of the 1920s by looking at everything that happened. This means addressing both the positive and negative things that occurred. Socially, women gained voting rights, although, the negative side is that it only pertained to whites, which meant African American women could not vote. This connects to the other negatives of the 1920s because there was still discrimination and segregation. The KKK was also very present and pushed for white supremacy. Economically, the 1920s were positive because of the advancement of technology, entertainment, and cars. Although, the Great Depression also occurred towards the end of the 1920s, which harmed America's economy greatly. Overall, this was a decade of culture wars because whites, especially women, received more rights, while African Americans did not.

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The 1920's should be told from all different perspectives and not just one side of the story. To many it was known as "the roaring 20's," but only to a specific group of people. I think we should still be focusing on how African Americans are being treated during this time, and the time period of new technology. Although there is good and bad parts of the 20's there was plenty of progress regarding cars,technology, and jobs. The downhill part of the 20's was at the end of the era when the stock market crashed, and lots of people were left with no jobs. The 20's is often seen as a party era with dances and happy music, almost as if to make it seem like the who time period was a big, fun party.

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We should tell the story of the 1920s by addressing how America progressed in this time and also how they regressed. After the war, change was happening. Positive change such as advancement in technology and (white) women's rights. Automobiles, TV, and the radio were all advancing and gaining more popularity. This increased job availability and overall boosted the economy. Women gained the right to vote in this decade and made a new look for themselves through the flapper persona. Negative situations such as the Tulsa Race Massacre and increase of KKK presence in many states also occurred. Racism continued through this time all the while white people were adopting and profiting off of black creations such as jazz and the blues. This continued the reoccurring scenario in American history where white people love the culture but hate the people. Not only were white Americans being prejudice to black Americans, but also to poor immigrants. This all hints at what we today would consider classism. This decade is almost like a distraction period for many white Americans. They spent their time partying and caught up in the fun of it all after the absolute dread of the war so much that they weren't quite prepared for the market to crash and how quickly things were going to go downhill. Overall, this decade should be considered an advancement and fun time for White Americans, and a time of regress for Black Americans/immigrants.

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The 1920's was a remarkable year. It should be told from all perspectives, to get the most information. There are many different perspectives on the 20's. Some found it to be glorious others not so much. We should focus on the perspective of the African Americans. We should really focus on how life was for them at this time. We know what it was like for the women, and the white men. During this time, women were flourishing. They were wearing different clothes, showing more skin, smoking cigarettes, they were acting all around like they just didn't care of the opinions of others. The 1920's wasn't as segregated as the past, but there were still racial injustices. Black Jazz artists were able to play in restaurants now, they walked with the white folk. Some say that the 20's was revolutionary. They say it was revolutionary because the car was invented. There were more jobs for family's. But at the end of the 20's, about 1928-1929 the stock market crashed leaving people job less. This would later turn into what is now known as "The "great "depression".

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Many people think of the story of the 1920s as a big party, and tons of advances. This, however, is only one side of a complicated story. We should tell the story of the 1920s with the good and the bad. We should talk about women's ability to vote, as well as their new ability act more independently, being able to show more skin, smoke, drink, and act a little less stiff. With this, capitalism was blowing up, and the economy was on an up and up. This would soon fall into the great depression after people had already bought everything they needed, causing businesses to get less money, and workers to get payed less, causing a huge crash. We should also include the prohibition, and how little it accomplished, considering speakeasies, and smuggled alcohol. Gangsters were more famous and well known, and jaz was booming, giving American Americans that outlet. While all of those things are happening, the KKK was growing, and causing more and more racism, as well as the Tulsa Race Massacre. Even with all of this, many people fell into neither category of racism or growing independence, and wanted to mostly be kept to themselves.

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To tell the 1920's each side of it must be heard. To a lot of people it was known as the "Roaring 20's". The era had a lot to do with technology along with some entertainment as well such as musicians, along with pop culture, music and also sports. After the 19th Amendment women were then allowed to vote. Which seemed to have been some main positive things from the 1920's. However, there was negativity as well. During this time the African Americans however were not treated well. Especially by the KKK from the hatred ad racism that the KKK showed towards Africa Americans. However, African Americas were not able to progress equality but still tried their best to to fight for rights. With social progress after reading from America Yawp it is show that social progress was made for white women wanting to gain independence and to vote. Yes, the decade of the 1920's was very deep in the culture war. Such as immigration and racism.

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The 1920's was the decade of progression of economic and social growth. Now, from both sides of the "roaring twenties," it was a good and bad growth. During the twenties it was a good and relying growth for women and African-Americans. Especially with the 19th amendment it helped women with voting. It also grew African-Americans freedom. Their freedom also was declining at the same time, during the 1920's the KKK grew massively and started to destroy the colored as the KKK thought it was "good." So again, for the women, technology, and profit, it was the first but amazing for the growth of America. But there's always a dark side. That dark side was the extreme amount of violence for the African-Americans. Left and right they were getting, murdered, harassed, and being violated from the KKK or normal civilians and especially with the Red Summer. This decade was the best for America, but nor did it ever decline our money or history. It just declined our culture and equality that still needs to grow.

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The Roaring 20s was the start of modern America. Just a few years after the Great War, technology was booming with the radio, sound films, and even the idea of television was being researched. Mass production started during these years making things like cars and other things that used to be only available to the rich available for everyone because they are much cheaper. Jazz music and swing dancing blossomed and dance clubs opened. However, other people didn't approve of the new freedom people seemed to have. Younger people participated in these new adventures and the new way of life, while older traditionalists frowned upon it and disapproved. Other groups of people, like the KKK, disapproved of the new music and dance because it was entirely influenced by African American cultures. So while many Americans saw the 1920s as a time of opportunity and freedom, with women's right to vote, and different technology available, there were a significant amount of people who were apposed to this knew way of life.

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I think that when telling the story of the 1920's, you need to ensure that you draw attention to the negative while also admiring how great of time it truly was. There was certainly a lot of bad going on in the country at the time as racism was still a very prominent issue. With that being said though, the 1920's were a great time in America were it stepped up and finally became a well developed country. The country now had automobiles which allowed a whole new way to transport people and goods. Radios were a big rave that allowed a newer, and faster way to broadcast information. This was a great time for the economy with all of the new products being produced. On the contrary the rise of the second KKK wreaked havoc on African Americans and continued to divide our country. Many immigrants and lower class families struggled to make a living as they were forced into cheap labor in factories. I feel that in the end we see a trend from earlier decades continue into this decade, whites succeeding at the cost of others.

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When telling the story of the 1920's it's good to know the negative, and positive changes that this decade had. Women gained the right to vote, which was a huge step forward in the right direction for them. This was a major positive effect of this decade. However, the Red Summer wasn't so positive. Many African Americans were harassed, and killed. KKK was a huge part of African American's being scared, harassed, and murdered. The KKK's goal was to make sure that white Americans had their white supremacy. This was another negative of this decade. A huge positive for this decade was the new technology. The main takeaways that were huge for America at this time was the invention of the radio, new types of music, the beloved pro sports organizations. Movie theaters were also a huge hit in the 1920's. Baseball was heavily admired by many. Babe Ruth was the center piece of the sport. This period was positive social economic change for white american men and women. However for African Americans this period was a negative social economic change.

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To properly tell the story of the 1920s, you need to include all of the major negatives and positives in this decade. A negative of this time was that racism was still a heavy issue. A positive was that women were finally being recognized as members of society. In 1920, under the 19th amendment, women gained the right to vote which in turn gave them more of a sense of power and confidence. They were able to think on their own and use their voice instead of constantly following under their husbands. Although women were finding themselves stepping into a new power, the story was different for African Americans. The 20's was another period of harassment and segregation from the whites onto the African Americans. On a more positive note, automobiles were created adding a whole new way to transport people, ideas, and goods. The second KKK made sure that African Americans would have to continue to fight for equality. The culture wars in the 1920s seemed to be never ending between the women, African Americans, and immigrants. The white men stayed 'on top' and had no intentions of letting anything change that.

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The Roaring 20s was a time period that was full of negatives and positives. After the war, Americans where living life like they've always wanted. Television, automobiles, radio, films in color, everything Americans could ever want. People living the life listening to jazz music and women getting the proper rights. After all of this people began to get jobs easier, the world went on a roll and the economy boosted very quickly. Even with all the positives there was a negative side. The KKK was at a peak, they did not enjoy the music and happiness people where having after the war. After all this, I think it made growth through out white Americans.

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The Roaring 20’s were ”wonderful” times, during the post WWI booming economy and fortunes were made. Working people, if they were clever, were able to cash in on the soaring stock market, buying stocks 90% on margin and making fortunes. Along with the positive ability to make money there were also negative downfalls that didn’t exactly heed well. For example, the KKK also known as the Ku Klux Klan, were beginning to rise up again, focusing attacks once again against the colored people of America, it didn’t help that they were going after more than just people of color either. It was a different world for immigrants, people of color, farmers, as it just seemed everyone had simply focused on fending for themselves. Social progress was the least of anyone’s worries especially for the few people who joined the “discussions” of the KKK meetings. There was certainly no peace and it seemed many would be attempting to tear each other apart.

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The story of the 1920s should be told as one of many ups and downs throughout the decade. There was woman getting the right to vote to the uprising of the KKK, Warren Harding getting elected president to dying just two years later, alcohol being great to the Prohibition, capitalism to the Great Depression, these are just a few examples of how the 1920s was in retrospect, a rollercoaster throughout its decade. With the Great Depression and KKK happening at the tail end of the 20s/mid 20s, it was impossible to have a positive social economic change to ever have occurred. The only group that really made social progress was woman as they got the 19nth amendment of voting, other than that the African Americans still dealt with prejudice and racism by the KKK which mainly kept social progress at a standstill for the most part as well. This decade was a massive culture war as there is always an opposing side to any movement like the examples listed above in some cases.