Era 8: The Emergence of Modern America: Roaring Twenties (1890–1930)

Summary:

Overarching Questions:

CIVICS: Have the concepts of liberty, justice and/or equality changed during the time period? If so, how and what has been the impact? ECONOMICS: How has technology (e.g., ships, canals, railroads, newspapers, telegraphs, radio, television, the internet and social media) spread ideas and influenced public opinion, the economy and/or the government? Did the changes strengthen or weaken democratic institutions?

NJ Student Learning Standards for Social Studies:

6.1.12.CivicsHR.8.a:...

Summary:

Overarching Questions:

CIVICS: Have the concepts of liberty, justice and/or equality changed during the time period? If so, how and what has been the impact?

NJ Student learning Standards for Social Studies:

6.1.12.HistoryCC.8.a: Make evidence-based inferences to explain why the Great Migration led to heightened racial tensions, restrictive laws, a rise in repressive organizations, and an increase in violence. 6.1.12.HistoryCC.8.b: Relate government policies to the prosperity of the...

Summary: In this three part lesson, students assess the revolutionizing effects of Henry Ford’s production of the Model T. In Part 1, students describe how the assembly line increased productivity and lowered production costs in the auto industry. Students also design a simple assembly line and examine its benefits and costs. In Part 2, students explain how entrepreneurs can improve productivity and explain the importance of vertical integration and human capital in auto factories. In Part 3,...

Summary: In this lesson, students will examine the Federal Reserve Act of 1913 and the establishment of the unique structure and functions of the Federal Reserve System. Students will describe how not having a central banking system or effective tools in place to promote economic growth and stability precipitated a national response and interpret economic events that necessitated the creation of the Federal Reserve System. Through analysis of primary sources and non-fiction text, students will...

Summary: This lesson focuses on the constitutional arguments for and against the enactment of federal anti-lynching legislation in the early 1920s. Students will participate in a simulation game that enacts a fictitious Senate debate of the Dyer Anti-Lynching Bill. As a result of completing this activity, students will gain a better understanding of the federal system, the legislative process, and the difficulties social justice advocates encountered.

Overarching Questions:

CIVICS: Have the...

Summary: In this lesson, students will explore how demographic and social change served as a source of xenophobia and intolerance in New Jersey and the rise of the Ku Klux Klan in New Jersey. The lesson includes extensive historical background and eight primary source documents as context for an essay prompt: How did the rise of the KKK demonstrate conflict in New Jersey over the major social and demographic changes of the 1920s?

Overarching questions:

CIVICS: How well does the government...

Summary: This lesson uses Newark, New Jersey, as a case study of the Great Migration, the dramatic movement of African Americans from Southern states to Northern states. Students analyze five historical documents to learn about the push-pull factors of the time and answer the question: Why did African Americans migrate to Newark at the beginning of the 20th century?

Overarching Questions:

CIVICS: Have the concepts of liberty, justice and/or equality changed during the time period? If so, how...

Summary: Ratified in 1919, the 18th Amendment to the Constitution banned “intoxicating liquors.” The manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages was outlawed nationwide from 1920 to 1933 – a period known as Prohibition. How did advocates of prohibition convince voters to enshrine a ban on alcohol in the Constitution? Begin the lesson with the video Prohibition and Repeal from the Constitution Explained series developed by the Center for Civic education. Discuss the question at the...