The Roaring Twenties (1918-1929)

 

Have you ever been in a room when a lighbulb burns out? For a brief period of time before the bulb goes out, the light gets much brighter. Some have suggested that this is an appropriate metaphor for the next two time periods in our study of American history. The Roaring Twenties was the bright flash of light, and the Great Depression of the 1930's was the darkness that followed.

Yet even amidst the brightness of the 1920's there were shadows. While the "light" side of the 1920's was marked by innovation, prosperity, and the pursuit of fun, the "dark" side hid a time of intolerance and lawlessness.

The goal of this activity is to examine both sides of this turbulent decade. Click on the first link below to begin. Tomorrow you will follow the second link.