1919-1939: A Period of Profound Change and Transformation
Period 8 of American history, spanning from 1919 to 1939, witnessed a series of momentous events that profoundly shaped the nation’s identity and trajectory. From the post-World War I era of the Roaring Twenties to the Great Depression and the rise of fascism, this period was characterized by unprecedented social, economic, and political upheaval.
Roaring Twenties (1919-1929)
- 1919: Prohibition begins with the passage of the Volstead Act.
- 1920: The 19th Amendment grants women the right to vote.
- 1921: The Ford Motor Company introduces the Model T, revolutionizing transportation.
- 1922: The first radio broadcast airs, ushering in a new era of communication.
- 1925: The trial of John Scopes for teaching evolution in Tennessee highlights the cultural tensions of the time.
- 1927: Charles Lindbergh completes the first solo transatlantic flight, capturing the world’s imagination.
- 1929: The stock market crash signals the onset of the Great Depression.
Great Depression and New Deal (1929-1939)
- 1930: Unemployment reaches 9% and the economy plummets.
- 1932: Franklin D. Roosevelt is elected president and launches the New Deal.
- 1933: The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) is created to restore confidence in the banking system.
- 1935: The Social Security Act provides a safety net for the elderly, disabled, and unemployed.
- 1936: The United States enters a period of economic recovery.
- 1937: The Great Recession begins, halting the progress of the recovery.
Rise of Fascism and World War II (1930s-1945)
- 1933: Adolf Hitler becomes chancellor of Germany and begins to consolidate power.
- 1939: Germany invades Poland, triggering the outbreak of World War II.
- 1941: Japan attacks Pearl Harbor, bringing the United States into the war.
- 1942: The Battle of Stalingrad marks a turning point in the war in favor of the Allies.
- 1944: D-Day: Allied forces land in Normandy, France, opening a second front in Europe.
- 1945: The Potsdam Conference concludes, dividing Germany and establishing the Cold War era.
Key Points and Trends
- Social Change: The Roaring Twenties saw a loosening of social norms and cultural experimentation, while the Great Depression led to widespread poverty and social unrest.
- Economic Turmoil: The Great Depression was the worst economic crisis in American history, causing mass unemployment and financial ruin. The New Deal attempted to mitigate its effects, but its effectiveness remains a subject of debate.
- Political Polarization: The 1920s witnessed the rise of isolationism and xenophobia, while the 1930s saw increasing polarization between the Republican and Democratic parties.
- Technological Advancements: The period saw rapid technological advancements, including the development of the radio, the automobile, and aviation.
- International Relations: The United States emerged from World War I as a global power but remained largely isolationist until Pearl Harbor. The rise of fascism and the outbreak of World War II forced the United States to take a more active role in world affairs.
Notable Figures and Statistics
- Franklin D. Roosevelt: The 32nd president of the United States who led the nation through the Great Depression and World War II.
- Herbert Hoover: The 31st president of the United States who failed to address the early stages of the Great Depression.
- Amelia Earhart: The first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean.
- Martin Luther King Jr.: A civil rights activist who led the nonviolent movement for racial equality.
- Joseph Stalin: The leader of the Soviet Union who forged an alliance with Hitler in 1939.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Oversimplifying the Roaring Twenties: The period was a complex one, characterized by both prosperity and social turmoil.
- Ignoring the impact of the Great Depression: The economic crisis had a profound impact on the lives of millions of Americans and shaped the nation’s future.
- Conflating the New Deal with socialism: The New Deal was a series of pragmatic measures aimed at restoring the economy, not a wholesale shift towards socialism.
- Underestimating the threat of fascism: The rise of fascism in Europe was a real and dangerous threat to democracy and world peace.
- Viewing World War II as inevitable: The war was the result of a confluence of factors, including the rise of fascism, the failure of the League of Nations, and the ambitions of individual leaders.
Conclusion
APUSH Period 8 was a time of immense upheaval and transformation for the United States. From the Roaring Twenties to the Great Depression and World War II, the nation faced unprecedented challenges and opportunities. The events of this period continue to shape American society and politics to this day. By understanding the timeline and the key trends and events that characterized this era, students can gain a deeper appreciation for the complexities and the profound impact of this transformative period in American history.