Progressivism, World War I & the 1920s · Weeks 19-27

Annexation of the Philippines & Anti-Imperialism

Investigate the Philippine-American War and the arguments of the Anti-Imperialist League.

About This Topic

The Roaring Twenties: Culture Wars covers the intense social and cultural tensions that defined the decade. This topic examines the conflict between the 'modern' urban culture of flappers and jazz and the 'traditional' rural values focused on religion and prohibition. Students analyze the Scopes 'Monkey' Trial, the failure of Prohibition, and the resurgence of the KKK as examples of this deep national divide.

For 11th graders, this topic is essential for understanding how rapid social change can trigger a powerful backlash. It highlights the role of the media in nationalizing these cultural conflicts. Students grasp these complex social dynamics faster through mock trials of the Scopes case and collaborative investigations into the 'two Americas' of the 1920s.

Active Learning Ideas

Mock Trial: The Scopes 'Monkey' Trial

Students take on the roles of William Jennings Bryan, Clarence Darrow, and the judge. They argue the case for and against teaching evolution, focusing on the deeper conflict between religious tradition and modern science.

⏱ 60 min·Whole Class

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Inquiry Circle: The Failure of Prohibition

Small groups research the rise of bootlegging, speakeasies, and organized crime. They must explain why the 'Noble Experiment' failed to achieve its goals and how it actually led to a decrease in respect for the law.

⏱ 50 min·Small Groups

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Think-Pair-Share: The New KKK

Students read about the resurgence of the KKK in the 1920s. They work in pairs to discuss how it differed from the Reconstruction-era KKK by targeting immigrants, Catholics, and Jews in addition to Black people.

⏱ 30 min·Pairs

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Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

The 1920s was a time of prosperity for everyone.

What to Teach Instead

While cities boomed, the agricultural sector was in a deep depression throughout the decade. A 'rural vs. urban' wealth comparison helps students see the uneven nature of the 1920s economy.

Common Misconception

Prohibition meant that people stopped drinking.

What to Teach Instead

Alcohol consumption actually continued in many ways, and the law created a massive new market for organized crime. Peer-led analysis of crime statistics from the era helps students see the unintended consequences of the 18th Amendment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the 'New Woman' of the 1920s?

The 'flapper' symbolized a new independence for women, characterized by shorter hair and skirts, smoking and drinking in public, and a rejection of traditional Victorian norms. This shift was fueled by the 19th Amendment and new economic opportunities.

Why did the Scopes Trial attract so much attention?

It was the first 'trial of the century,' broadcast on the radio. It came to symbolize the national struggle between fundamentalist religious beliefs and the growing influence of modern scientific thought in public schools.

What was the 'Red Scare' of the 1920s?

It was a period of intense fear of communism and radicalism following the Russian Revolution. It led to the 'Palmer Raids,' where thousands of suspected radicals were arrested and many immigrants were deported without trial.

How can active learning help students understand the 1920s culture wars?

Active learning strategies like 'Mock Trials' or 'Socratic Seminars' allow students to step into the mindsets of people who felt their way of life was under attack. By arguing for 'traditional' values or 'modern' progress, they realize that these were not just abstract debates but deeply personal ones. This hands-on approach helps them see the 1920s as a decade of profound anxiety as much as it was a decade of 'roaring' fun.

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