Photo Analysis:
I chose the photo of Babe Ruth at the top because he was an extremely prominent figure during the 1920's. He was not just bigger than baseball, but he was bigger than life. To this day it has remained undisputed who the most influential, and greatest baseball player of all time was. Babe Ruth may have made his name with the Red Sox in the early 1900's, but the 1920's is where he became a legend.
Political Theme: Scopes Trial
The Scopes trial is formally known as The State of Tennessee vs. John Scopes. It was a case in 1925 that accussed teacher John Scopes of teaching evolution in a state-funded school. At first Scopes was found guilty in the case but the verdict was later overtuned. The trial grew great publicity all over the country. Some politicians would side with Scopes while others did not.
Economic Theme: Roaring Twenties
The Roaring Twenties was an era of great economic growth and widespread prosperity driven by government growth policies. There was a boom in construction, and the rapid growth of consumer goods such as automobiles and trucks. The economy of the United States had successfully transistioned from a war-time economy during WWI , to a peace time economy. There were still some ocupations facing distress, such as the farming and mining industry, but the United was one of the richest countries in the world.
Social Theme: Olympics
The 1920 Summer Olympics were held in Antwerp, Belgium. The 1920 Games were awarded to Antwerp to honor the people of that city after the suffering they endured during World War I. The United Sates won 41 gold medals, the most by far of any country, while winning 95 medals in all. There was also a week of Winter Olympic sports, in which ice hockey was first introduced.
How did the 1920's lead to the Great Depression?
In the 1920's, there was a lot of artificial wealth created. Many people were rich on paper, but had no holdings to back it up. Companies
invested in each other and the stock market was boosted. In October 1929, when citizens went to banks to withdraw their money, it was discovered that their money wasn't really there. This led to panic, unemployment, and bankruptcy. The famous stock market crash of 1929.
invested in each other and the stock market was boosted. In October 1929, when citizens went to banks to withdraw their money, it was discovered that their money wasn't really there. This led to panic, unemployment, and bankruptcy. The famous stock market crash of 1929.