Question 1
Suppose that you were a black intellectual living in New York City and observing the various aspects of black life in the United States during the 1920s. Describe what you would consider the major aspects of black life and culture during that period.Question 2
Discuss the major technological and business innovations that promoted economic prosperity in the United States during the 1920s.Question 3
Suppose you belonged to a middle-class family during the 1920s. Describe what would probably have been characteristic of your lifestyle during that period.Answer 1
Answer: Many blacks moved north for better economic opportunities. Those inclined toward artistic and intellectual pursuits often settled in Harlem. While blacks received better treatment in the North than they had experienced in the South, they were still the victims of discrimination, prejudice, and race riots. Leaders such as W.E.B. Du Bois and Marcus Garvey offered different approaches to improving conditions for blacks. Black intellectuals faced the dilemma of trying to present the black position while drawing support for their work from whites.Answer 2
Answer: During the 1920s, the rise of modern corporations transformed American business. A new managerial style developed, emphasizing planning and efficiency. Electrification essentially ushered in a second industrial revolution,' increasing productivity and the development of new products. Development of the automobile spurred economic growth, especially with the use of the assembly line. A communications revolution, brought on by the use of the telephone, changed the way business operated.Answer 3
Answer: During the 1920s the living standard of the typical middle-class family steadily rose. Electrification of the homes and greater availability of modern bathroom facilities made living more pleasant and some work easier. The automobile increased mobility, leading many families to move to the suburbs, while also significantly changing the dynamics of family life. The radio, telephone, and movies provided greater entertainment opportunities and brought more communication between individuals.