1. World War I and American Life. Explain the impact of World War I in America. Consider various social, economic and political changes in the country during and right after the war. Do you think these changes were caused by the war?
War brings changes to every country. The American significantly transformed life after World War I. the country faced social, economic and political changes, which were felt both the negatively and the positively. First and foremost, it goes without saying that the population was increased since there were immigrants who were coming into the country with new ideas and new experiences. Therefore, the society was very vibrant. On the negative, there was a significant effect of othering that caused a rift between the immigrants and the local population; therefore, there were many differences.
The economy of US significantly improved, due to the defeat of Germany and other Central territories, which caused technological advancements; this led to mechanization and introduction of new materials like plastic and this greatly improved the economy of the country. The USA also took over the overseas markets of the Europeans. As a result, many American industries became more successful and more competitive than their European counterparts (Alchin). The USA became the world’s leading producer of a range of products like dyes and fertilizers, replacing Germany, who held that position for a long time.
On the issue of women suffrage, the status of women in the society greatly changed. Most women took jobs instead of staying at home. In 1919, the Women Suffrage Clauses was ratified, and it gave the woman a right to vote (Alchin).The era also led to many political reforms by Roosevelt, Wilson, and Taft, that positively changed the lives of the citizens.
With all the benefits, there also exists many negative ones. After the war, the economy improved, but it also led to inflation and the living standards increased too. The prices of essential needs like food and clothing rose 15 %.
The war also resulted in unemployment because of inflation. It resulted in many companies laying off their employees so as to maintain operation costs, and those who were retained got reduced salaries. There were also not enough employment opportunities for the soldiers who returned home after the war.
Also, during the war, labor unions increased their intensity, and the era was characterized by a massive wave of strikes. In 1919, it was called the Red Summer, which resulted due to great economic depression.
The picture below clearly shows the state of America after the world war. Despite the positive impacts, there was also a great economic depression and hence unemployment resulted.
2. The 1920s. What happened in America during the 1920s? Why do historians see the 20s as the beginning of "modern times"? Address social, cultural, economic and political factors.
The 1920s were vibrant years in the US and a memorable era for the US. This decade is the only one nicknamed in American history. It was known as the ‘Roaring Twenties’ or the ‘Jazz Age.' Economically, many oil companies began to operate starting from South America, Venezuela to be precise.
The urban population became more than the rural one. People suddenly changed their style of doing things. People spoke the same slang, listened to the same music and the felt a strong urge to spend on what they wear, (Inventions).
In the 1920s, the place of the woman changed in society. She could now vote and became bolder because she was recognized in the society. The new woman changed her style of hair and dressing to short skirts and bobbed hair. She now engaged in activities that would be seen as ‘unladylike.’ For example, she could be seen drinking and smoking. Women took up job; they could now contribute to the economy. This age introduced the mass culture, where people were spending on consumer goods and automobiles. It was the era when jazz was considered fashionable (Inventions). People could now go to the movies. The younger generation loved the freedom that came with this time.
The black culture became more visible than before through their music, especially jazz and blues. Most African-Americans lived below the poverty line, and they had to endure both poverty and racism. Even though many black women enjoyed the changes that came with the ‘Roaring Twenties,’ they still were poor and most were employed as cleaners and waitresses for the rich white people (Inventions).
Politically, the prohibition law was ratified in 1919. It was a way of the White middle class to restore the comfortable and quiet life they once had before the immigrant population increased. In spite of so much freedom, the consumption of liquor above 0.5% liquor was prohibited. This law was not so useful because it resulted in illegal activities and organized crime, with likes of Al Capone (Inventions). America faced great dynamism socially, culturally, politically and economically.
Historians see the 1920s as an era the beginning of ‘modern times,' because it is in this era that tremendous changes take place especially in the social and economic aspect. In this time, America grew, and civilization picked up with their new status as a global leader.
The picture beside depicts the kind of lifestyle during the roaring twenties, from dances to the fashion and jazz. It shows a vibrant society.
3. Depression. Explain some of the possible causes of the Great Depression. Who suffered the most? How did people react to economic stress? Describe some social changes in this era.
The Great Depression was the most magnificent and the longest-lasting hit on the US economy. Firstly, the country was reeling from the effects of war since it funded the war. There is no particular cause of the Great Depression; it was mainly caused by a combination of factors within the country and worldwide too.
It began in 1929 when the Stock market crashed. It created a huge wave of panic, and many investors shied away (Kelly). Stakeholders lost about 40 billion dollars. The stock market crash resulted in deflation, high unemployment, poverty, low profits, reduced farm incomes and opportunities for personal advancements and economic growth was utterly lost. Banks failed to create new loans since they had also lost their savings, which were uninsured. The purchasing power of people also decreased, hence businesses failed. All these factors caused an enormous strain on the economy of the country.
The Great Depression also brought about many political changes. A good example is the election of Franklin Roosevelt as President, who won against Herbert Hoover. The new president had so much hope in the country and was ready to restore hope among the Americans. He introduced the New Deal, which was a reform strategy for the conditions the country was in at that particular time (Kelly). It was a program for relief, recovery, and reform that would help restore the country to its former glory. He also wanted to align the American politics at large.
The rich did not feel the impact of depression so much, but were affected by it in one way or another. The people who were hardest hit were the lower class. Some became homeless, and others lost their jobs. Therefore, they could not pay rent, taxes and could not support their families in general. The living conditions worsened, and some people, especially in Mississippi, died of starvation and sicknesses. All in all the lower class families felt these effects.
The Great Depression led to some social changes. The depression resulted in a shift from being optimism to that of despair. Poverty became the order of the day. Many people became bankrupt, especially due to unemployment (Alchin). Many couples also delayed marriage and birth rates went down too, because people could not afford to support families. In some cases, the breadwinner of the household despaired, the man of the house became frustrated, and some went to the extent of committing suicide. Many women were discriminated against since men were favored during employment. Some families were evicted due to lack of rent, and this resulted in people living in crowded places, hence squalid living conditions for the people (Alchin). This era was one of the hardest times in American history, but President Roosevelt was the hope of the people. They believed his reforms would help save the country and its population.
The picture below describes the state of depression and living conditions that the lower class, especially women and children had to go through.
4. New Deal. Explain how Franklin Roosevelt proposed to help the economy. Why was he able to make so many changes? What lasting impact did New Deal policies have in America?
When Franklin Roosevelt took office, he promised to act fearlessly in stabilizing the economy. He wanted to move swiftly, given the darkest realities of the moment. He applied a good number of reforms collectively called the New Deal (Walsh). It included presidential executive orders and laws passed by Congress.
Franklin Roosevelt wanted to help the economy through the New Deal, which consisted of the 3Rs- relief, recovery, and reform. Relief for the unemployed citizens, the recovery of the economy to stable levels and a reform of the financial system so that a repeat of the depression would not occur again. He ensured the banks were inspected, re-opened the ones that were declared insolvent and tried to save others by reorganizing them (Walsh). He officiated the work of the Civil Works Administration to help the localities by funding them to do projects that would benefit them and the country at large. Roosevelt promoted labor unions through the Wagner Act. He started the Work Progress Association, which became the largest employer of its time.
Franklin Roosevelt was in office for about 12 years, he was re-elected because the people believed in him, and he also took a personal touch with his duty to the country. The citizens thought that he was capable of leading them out of the brink of an economic disaster. Roosevelt was an optimistic leader, and he also empathized with his people, this created a special attachment with the Americans (Walsh). They believed he could protect them from treacherous international relations. Roosevelt showed compassion for his people; he also believed in the Americans to help him as a leader to restore the country to its former glory. Roosevelt was indeed a transformative leader, and his confidence and optimism led him all through, and that is why he was able to make so many changes.
The New Deal did not fully end the impacts of depression. The policies restored America’s economic status. Roosevelt laid the groundwork that made America into a super power. The policies increased employment opportunities. The New Deal helped transform the functions of the Federal Government whose effect is still felt today. It also resulted in improved infrastructures in America like dams and parks. The New Deal did not really solve all the problems of depression, but it still made a great impact in America.
The picture below depicts Roosevelt and the reforms of the New Deal. It shows how the unity in his system led to his great success.
Works Cited
Alchin, Linda. "Effects Of WW1 On America: US History For Kids ***." American- historama.org. N.p., 2016. Web. 16 Mar. 2016.
Alchin, Linda. "Social Effects Of The Great Depression: US History For Kids ***." American- historama.org. N.p., 2016. Web. 16 Mar. 2016.
Inventions, History.com Staff. "The Roaring Twenties - Facts & Summary - HISTORY.Com." HISTORY.com. N.p., 2016. Web. 16 Mar. 2016.
Kelly, Martin. "Top 5 Causes Of The Great Depression." About.com Education. N.p., 2016. Web. 16 Mar. 2016.
Walsh, Kenneth. "The First 100 Days: Franklin Roosevelt Pioneered The 100-Day Concept." US News & World Report. N.p., 2009. Web. 16 Mar. 2016.
