Roaring Twenties Worksheet Answer Key for History Students

Understanding the Roaring Twenties: A Comprehensive Guide for History Students

The Roaring Twenties, also known as the Jazz Age, was a transformative period in American history that lasted from 1920 to 1929. It was an era of great social, cultural, and economic change, marked by a shift towards modernity and a rejection of traditional values. In this article, we will delve into the key events, trends, and figures of the Roaring Twenties, providing a comprehensive guide for history students.

Social and Cultural Changes

The Roaring Twenties were characterized by significant social and cultural changes. Some of the key trends and events of this era include:

• The Harlem Renaissance: A cultural movement that saw a surge in African American artistic and literary expression, with notable figures such as Langston Hughes and Zora Neale Hurston.
• The Rise of Feminism: Women’s rights became a major issue during this period, with the 19th Amendment granting women the right to vote in 1920.
• The Jazz Age: Jazz music became a popular form of entertainment, with musicians such as Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington achieving widespread fame.
• Flappers and the Youth Culture: Young people, particularly women, began to adopt more modern and liberated lifestyles, characterized by shorter hemlines, bobbed hair, and a love of jazz music and dance.

Economic Prosperity and Consumer Culture

The Roaring Twenties were also marked by significant economic prosperity and the rise of consumer culture. Some of the key trends and events of this era include:

• The Roaring Economy: The United States experienced a period of rapid economic growth, with new technologies and industries emerging and unemployment rates falling.
• Mass Production and Consumerism: The widespread adoption of mass production techniques and the rise of consumer culture led to an increase in the availability and affordability of goods such as cars, radios, and household appliances.
• The Stock Market Boom: The stock market experienced a period of rapid growth, with stock prices rising sharply and many Americans investing in the market.

Politics and Foreign Policy

The Roaring Twenties were also marked by significant developments in politics and foreign policy. Some of the key trends and events of this era include:

• The Red Scare: A period of anti-communist hysteria and paranoia, marked by the Palmer Raids and the trial of Sacco and Vanzetti.
• Prohibition: The 18th Amendment, which banned the manufacture, sale, and transportation of intoxicating liquors, was ratified in 1919 and went into effect in 1920.
• Isolationism: The United States adopted a policy of isolationism, avoiding involvement in international conflicts and organizations such as the League of Nations.

Key Figures of the Roaring Twenties

Some of the key figures of the Roaring Twenties include:

• Calvin Coolidge: The 30th President of the United States, known for his laissez-faire economic policies and his “Silent Cal” persona.
• Herbert Hoover: The 31st President of the United States, who played a key role in the relief efforts following World War I and later became known for his handling of the Great Depression.
• F. Scott Fitzgerald: A novelist and short story writer who captured the essence of the Jazz Age in his works, such as “The Great Gatsby”.
• Clara Bow: A film actress and sex symbol of the 1920s, known for her charming on-screen presence and her “It Girl” persona.

Timeline of the Roaring Twenties

Here is a brief timeline of the Roaring Twenties:

• 1920: The 19th Amendment grants women the right to vote.
• 1920: The 18th Amendment goes into effect, banning the manufacture, sale, and transportation of intoxicating liquors.
• 1921: The Emergency Quota Act restricts immigration to the United States.
• 1924: J. Edgar Hoover becomes the director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
• 1925: The Scopes Trial takes place in Tennessee, with John Scopes being tried for teaching evolution in a public school.
• 1927: Charles Lindbergh makes the first solo non-stop transatlantic flight.
• 1929: The stock market crashes, marking the beginning of the Great Depression.

📝 Note: This timeline is not exhaustive, but rather provides a brief overview of some of the key events of the Roaring Twenties.

Roaring Twenties Worksheet Answer Key

Here is the answer key to a Roaring Twenties worksheet:

Section 1: Multiple Choice Questions

1. What was the main issue addressed by the 19th Amendment? a) Women’s right to vote b) Prohibition c) The Red Scare d) The Scopes Trial

Answer: a) Women’s right to vote

1. Which of the following was NOT a characteristic of the Roaring Twenties? a) Social and cultural change b) Economic prosperity c) Increased involvement in international conflicts d) The rise of consumer culture

Answer: c) Increased involvement in international conflicts

Section 2: Short Answer Questions

1. What was the Harlem Renaissance, and what were some of its notable features?

Answer: The Harlem Renaissance was a cultural movement that saw a surge in African American artistic and literary expression. Some notable features included the works of Langston Hughes and Zora Neale Hurston.

1. What was the main issue addressed by the 18th Amendment?

Answer: The 18th Amendment banned the manufacture, sale, and transportation of intoxicating liquors.

Section 3: Essay Question

Choose one of the following essay questions and write a well-developed essay response.

1. What were some of the key social and cultural changes of the Roaring Twenties, and how did they reflect the values and attitudes of the time?
2. How did the economic prosperity of the Roaring Twenties contribute to the rise of consumer culture, and what were some of the key features of this culture?

Answer: (Sample essay response)

The Roaring Twenties were marked by significant social and cultural changes, including the rise of feminism, the Harlem Renaissance, and the youth culture. These changes reflected the values and attitudes of the time, which emphasized modernity, freedom, and self-expression. The economic prosperity of the era also contributed to the rise of consumer culture, which was characterized by the widespread adoption of mass production techniques, the growth of advertising, and the increasing availability and affordability of goods such as cars, radios, and household appliances.

In conclusion, the Roaring Twenties were a transformative period in American history, marked by significant social, cultural, and economic changes. The era saw the rise of feminism, the Harlem Renaissance, and the youth culture, and was characterized by economic prosperity and the growth of consumer culture.

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