The Roaring Twenties

Summary
This is an introductory lesson about the era known as The Roaring Twenties.

Objectives
• to explain and discuss the basic cultural milieu during the 1920s;

• to list some of the key events of this era;

• to describe and explain the Eighteenth and Twenty-first Amendments.

Suggested Grades
3rd Grade
4th Grade
5th Grade

Excerpt
After World War I, Americans were seeking to enjoy the newfound peace that was established after the war. This period of history after World War I became known as the Roaring Twenties. It was called that because Americans were making more money and spending more money. They were also more focused on fun activities. Many people had more money because they had invested in the stock market. A stock is a share in a company. As the company increases in value, the value of the stock also increases. Most stocks increased in price during the 1920s, and many Americans purchased stocks and sold them to make money when they went up in price.

As well as having more money, Americans also had more free time because the labor movement in America succeeded in reducing the typical work-day to only eight hours. Previously, many people had worked more than eight hours each day. During this time, people bought appliances and cars, which made their lives easier, and gave them even more free time. Many Americans watched movies or listened to the radio. In 1927, the first movie with sound was released. It was called The Jazz Singer.

Continued...