Speech on CH 24

            As all of you know, the 1920s in the US was a period of constant change. I find that the 1920s was the turning point, which separated the ways of old American tradition from the modernized lifestyle we live today.

I like to view history as a story of how collective groups of people have progressed. In American history, we can view the 1920s as the climax that answers the questions of the past, and point us towards the future. 

Poorer and less urban Americans stuck to the traditions of old, where as the younger, richer and more urban people were open to change and willing to be a part of the change that was being brought about during the decade.

Before the 20s, the average family didn’t have the electrical appliances that we think of today as essentials, things like washing machines, vacuums and refrigerators. For the first time, families could afford to buy both need and luxury based items, and thanks to that affordability of cars allowed people to escape their daily lives and take vacations. Life for the most of the youth in the 20s could not have been any better.

But the 20s weren’t all about buying products and making life easier, for a large part of the country it was about art of many varieties; paintings, drawings, poetry and novels. Some of the best artistic work in history was crafted in this decade.  

However for some, the 1920s in America didn’t seem so glamorous. There were many people who took dissatisfaction with the time. They were known as the “disenchanted”. They were repulsed with the idea of consumerism and the country’s obsession with material wealth.

When the National Origins Act was passed, America took a step backwards in its progress. Congress limited the immigration from most of the world and completely eliminated immigration from East Asia.

The lives that each of us lead today would be drastically different if people who lived in the 20s weren’t open to progress. If they hadn’t adopted the new ideas, embraced the art, and immersed themselves in the ever-changing culture of America, our lives wouldn’t be as simple as they are today.

key

All of the following were inventions during the progressive era EXCEPT:
A) Radio
B) Lightbulb
C) Ford Model T
D) Airplane
E) Television

Which Journalist was known for his photographs of homeless children?
A)Ansel Adams
B) Cecil Beaton
C) Jacob Riis
D) Upton Sinclair
E) Gary Lovisi

People of which nationality contributed MOST to  immigration in the US?
A) German
B) Russian and Baltic states
C) Canadian
D) Asian
E)Italian

Combining Class Topics

I combined all 4 theses given from each group about


Thesis:

During the Progressive era, the people played large role in promoting public safety and happiness. The government tried to set limits to prevent sickness, promote safety, and solve problems.

Multiple choice questions

All of the following were inventions during the progressive era EXCEPT:
A) Radio
B) Lightbulb
C) Ford Model T
D) Airplane
E) Television

Which Journalist was known for his photographs of homeless children?
A)Ansel Adams
B) Cecil Beaton
C) Jacob Riis
D) Upton Sinclair
E) Gary Lovisi

People of which nationality contributed MOST to  immigration in the US in the progressive era?
A) German
B) Russian and Baltic states
C) Canadian
D) Asian
E)Italian

The Invention of the Radio and Its relationship with progressivism

I spent the past two days searching through "America's Historical Newspapers" archive to find out about the invention of the radio and searching for it's relationship with progressivism. What I have found out is that the invention of the radio was a monumental leap into how live in the 21st century is lived. The initial radio wasn't what what you have in your car, that you love to listen to driving down the road. It was much more akin to the phone that you use everyday, but obviously not hand held and and couldn't be put in a pocket. I was much more akin to a telegraph, but it was wireless, which was an incredible leap forward, especially for the navy during war time. The radio at this time was known as a "wireless telephone" Navy ships could communicate with each other, and even bach to land. This allowed for strategies to be planned and for lines of communications to be open.

While this was an incredibly progressive invention , some dispute occurred when it came to taking ownership of the fascinating new invention. The Pawtucket Times wrote on March 4, 1898 about the several different men that lay their claims on the invention of the radio. However it was in fact Guglielmo Marconi that truly made the physical invention. The other scientists, such as Heinrich Rudolph Hertz proved that radio waves did in fact exist.

This is one of the many scientists that is accredited with the invention of the radio, Guglielmo Marconi.  

Eventually the radio that we think of today was developed from the initial radio invention. The transmission of a voice was achieved from over 600 miles! The line ran from New York to Philadelphia. Today the same thing is achieved and we can listen to the radio in our cars everyday, and the "wireless telephone" evolved into the cellphones that we use today, no longer "dots and dashes".

A car radio today, serves the same purpose today as it did when it was first invented

This is a radio similar to what would have been used on a navy ship

Self Reflection

I feel like I'm doing MUCH better this second semester than I did last semester, My research skills are much better and I've learned how to analyze the text and make inferences based upon what I read. I also loved comparing the documentary about the High Line to what we read for homework. Seeing the differences and more importantly the similarities between the two really forced me to think and to find answers. I really love this class!

Progress

1) To me progress is the continual movement and change over time.


2) As defined by wikipedia "The Progressive Era was a period of widespread social activism and political reform across the United States, from the 1890s to 1920s" 

It was known as the progressive era because the politicians that helped to develop society in this time called themselves the "progressors"

3) Goals of this era:
Votes for women
regulation of big companies
minimum wage laws
maximum hour laws
income tax

4) each of these goals seem to be about elections and conditions for the working class.

5) I see all of these goals as essential. These goals bring the country to the point it is at today.