USA DEPTH STUDY – 1920s AMERICA

PAST-PAPER QUESTIONS (ABC)

Part A

What developments were there in popular music during the 1920s? 

• ‘Jazz music was the popular music of the 1920s.’
• ‘It was often performed by black musicians who migrated to northern cities.’
• ‘Jazz was linked to dance music.’
• ‘There were many dance bands.’
• ‘It led to nightclubs such as the Cotton Club of Harlem.’
• ‘It led to famous musicians such as Duke Ellington and Louis Armstrong.’
• ‘Social jazz led to dances such as the Charleston and Black Bottom.’
• ‘There was Blues music.’
• ‘Blues music was related to religious music of the Afro-American community.’
• ‘Blues often took the form of spirituals.’
• ‘During the 1920s, hillbilly / country music developed.’
• ‘There was Broadway music such as the Jazz Singer and Broadway.’
• ‘Composers such as Cole Porter, Irving Berlin and George and Ira Gershwin flourished.’
• ‘There were concerts.’

What new consumer goods became widely available to Americans during the boom years?

• ‘Ready to wear clothes became widely available.’
• ‘A range of electrical goods became widely available.’
• ‘Refrigerators became widely available.’
• ‘Washing machines became widely available.’
• ‘Radios became widely available.’
• ‘Vacuum cleaners became widely available.’
• ‘Flush lavatories became widely available.’
• ‘Electric irons became widely available.’
• ‘Electric razors became widely available.’
• ‘Phonographs became widely available.’
• ‘Cars became widely available.’
• ‘Telephones became widely available.’

What developments in mass media occurred in the 1920s?

• ‘Newspapers benefited from the advancement in electronic communication.’
• ‘Mass media was used for advertising.’
• ‘Newspapers received stories from far afield and reported them quickly.’
• ‘Many papers published multiple editions in a single day.’
• ‘Radio’s first commercial broadcasts occurred during the 1920s.’
• ‘In 1921, there was one licensed radio station, but by the end of 1922 there were 508.’
• ‘In 1926, the first national network, NBC was set up.’
• ‘Radio was used to broadcast light musical entertainment, producing an age of great dance bands.’
• ‘Radio became important for transmitting news, often with live updates.’
• ‘Cinema provided an opportunity for escapism for Americans.’
• ‘Audiences doubled in the 1920s and reached 95 million by 1929.’
• ‘Hollywood launched stars such as Charlie Chaplin and Mary Pickford.’
• ‘In 1927, talkies arrived with the release of the ‘Jazz Singer’.’
• ‘A code of practice was introduced to ban nudity and limit the length of kisses on screen.’
• ‘There was a growth of newsreels, which were factual films about news events.’

In what ways did the car industry contribute to the ‘Roaring Twenties’?

• ‘People could live in the suburbs and travel into the city centre.’
• ‘Cars were used to get to and from the entertainments.’
• ‘Cars carried boyfriends and girlfriends beyond the moral gaze of their parents.’
• ‘The car took Americans to an increasing range of sporting events.’
• ‘Americans could visit shopping malls.’
• ‘They could be used to go on holidays to the beach or picnics in the country.’
• ‘It gave employment to car workers.’
• ‘It gave employment to road builders and hotel construction workers.’
• ‘It gave employment to workers in other industries, such as glass, rubber, steel and leather.’

In what ways did increased ownership of cars have an impact on the US economy in the 1920s? 

•  ‘Gave employment and increased purchasing power.’
• ‘Demand increased production.’
• ‘The car industry stimulated road and hotel construction.’
• ‘It encouraged the building of roadside filling stations.’
• ‘It helped the growth of holiday resorts.’
• ‘It boosted the oil industry.’
• ‘It increased production of plate glass, rubber, steel and leather.’
• ‘The car industry was a main subject for the advertising industry.’
• ‘The financial institutions benefited because of hire purchase arrangements for buying cars.’ 

What impact did trade tariffs have on the US economy in the 1920s?

• ‘Trade tariffs made imported foreign goods expensive.’
• ‘The tariffs protected American businesses against foreign competition.’
• ‘They encouraged Americans to buy American goods.’
• ‘There was confidence in American goods.’
• ‘It made the economy grow/it had a positive effect.’
• ‘The lack of foreign competition allowed American companies to grow rapidly.’
• ‘The tariffs protected the young consumer industries from foreign competition.’
• ‘The lack of foreign competition eventually made parts of American industry inefficient.’
• ‘Countries retaliated with tariffs on American goods.’
• ‘When the American home market became saturated with consumer goods, it became difficult to sell abroad because of counter-tariffs.’
• ‘American farmers were overproducing for the home market, but could not sell much abroad.’
• ‘The fall in shares in 1929 was partly due to stagnated production and surpluses which could not be sold abroad.’

In what ways did the economic boom impact the American people? 

• ‘Many Americans had the benefit of electricity.’
• ‘Many could afford domestic electrical goods.’
• ‘Vacuum cleaners, fridges and washing machines were becoming common.’
• ‘This enabled women to go out to work.’
• ‘Millions of Americans owned motor cars.’
• ‘Millions owned radios and went to the cinema.’
• ‘Customers could buy goods through hire purchase agreements.’
• ‘Farmers and agricultural labourers did not share the prosperity.’
• ‘There was still much unemployment and low wages.’
• ‘Black and Native Americans did not benefit from the economic boom.’
• ‘New immigrants only had low paid jobs.’
• ‘Improved living standards.’
• ‘Jobs were created.’

Describe how the assembly line method of production operated. 

• ‘There was a large moving belt – the assembly line.’
• ‘The assembly line brought the work to the worker.’
• ‘Each worker was responsible for fitting a certain component.’
• ‘Each worker carried out one task and then the line moved the work on to the next worker.’
• ‘The whole process depended on the assembly line being kept in motion.’
• ‘In car production, a skeleton of a car went on the assembly line at the beginning, and at the end of the production line the car was complete.’

What was the Fordney-McCumber Tariff? 

• ‘The Fordney-McCumber Act was passed in 1922.’
• ‘It was passed by a Republican government.’
• ‘It raised tariffs on many imported goods.’
• ‘Its aim was to protect US factories and agriculture.’
• ‘The tariff was part of the policy called ‘Protectionism’.’
• ‘By passing the tariff, it was thought Congress was showing a pro-business attitude.’
• ‘The tariff added, on average, 14% to imported goods.’
• ‘The President was given the power to increase the tariff on a particular product by up to 50%.’
• ‘This made imported goods less attractive to the US consumer.’
• ‘The imported goods cost more, making home produced goods cheaper.’
• ‘It led to a tariff war.’

How did US governments control immigration?

• ‘In 1921, The Emergency Quota Act was passed to set an annual limit on immigrants.’
• ‘The limit was fixed at 357 000 per year.’
• ‘It set up an annual quota from any one country.’
• ‘This was restricted to 3% of the numbers from that same country living in the USA in 1910.’
• ‘This reduced immigration from southern and eastern Europe by more than 75%.’
• ‘In 1924, the National Origins Act was passed to reduce the total limit and the quotas.’
• ‘The total annual limit was reduced to 150 000.’
• ‘The quota limit was reduced to 2% of 1890 figures.’
• ‘Immigrants from Asia were completely barred.’
• ‘There were literacy tests.’

What was the Sacco and Vanzetti case? 

• ‘In 1920, Sacco and Vanzetti, two Italian Americans, were arrested.’
• ‘They were arrested on suspicion of armed robbery and murder.’
• ‘It soon became clear that they were self-confessed anarchists.’
• ‘They despised the economic and political system in America.’
• ‘The trial became less of a trial for murder, more a trial of their radical ideas.’
• ‘The case against them was very suspect.’
• ‘The prosecution relied on racist slurs about their Italian origins and stirred up fears about their radical beliefs.’
• ‘The two were found guilty and sentenced to death.’
• ‘After the trial, the judge referred to them as ‘those anarchist bastards’.’
• ‘There were six years of legal appeals.’
• ‘They were executed in 1927.’
• ‘There was a storm of protest from around the world.’
• ‘There was a belief that the pair failed to receive a fair trial.’
• ‘Many thought they were the victims of the trial judge’s prejudices against foreigners and radical politics.’ 

In what ways did the US entertainment industry change in the 1920s? 

•  ‘Cinema increased significantly in popularity.’
• ‘Hollywood produced a large number of films or ‘movies’.’
• ‘Many new stars were created including Charlie Chaplin, Mary Pickford and Rudolph
• Valentino.’
• ‘The cinema quickly discovered the selling power of sex.’
• ‘In 1927 the first ‘talkie’ was made.’
• ‘As variety theatres declined, radio provided a fresh start for many artists.’
• ‘The choice of radio programmes rapidly grew in the ’20s.’
• ‘The 1920s became known as the ‘Jazz Age’.’
• ‘Jazz was linked to dance music and led to the opening of many night clubs.’
• ‘Sport boomed during the 1920s, especially baseball.’
• ‘Stars like Babe Ruth were created.’
• ‘Baseball became a big money sport with legendary teams like the New York Yankees and
• the Boston Red Sox.’
• ‘Boxing became increasingly popular with heroes like Jack Dempsey.’ 

Describe the activities of the Ku Klux Klan. 

• ‘The KKK held marches through many southern towns.’
•  ‘The KKK held ceremonies whilst dressed in white hooded sheets.’
•  ‘In ceremonies they surrounded a burning cross and chanted.’
•  ‘The KKK intimidated black Americans.’
•  ‘Black Americans were verbally abused.’
•  ‘The members also intimidated Jews, Catholics and immigrants.’
•  ‘Members would use violence against black people.’
•  ‘The KKK carried out beatings, mutilation and lynchings.’
•  ‘Two murdered by lynching were Abram Smith and Thomas Shipp.’

What was the ‘Red Scare’ of 1919–20?

•  ‘It was a fear of Communism or Bolshevism.’
• ‘It was a fear of anarchist ideas being put into practice.’
• ‘It was the fear of recent immigrants bringing these ideas from Eastern Europe, especially
• Russia.’
• ‘When a series of strikes broke out in 1919, it confirmed the fears.’
• ‘A series of bomb blasts in 1919 suggested a conspiracy against the state.’
• ‘One blast damaged the home of the Attorney General, Mitchell Palmer.’
• ‘Strikers were faced with lock-outs.’
• ‘Suspected anarchists and communists were arrested and many deported.’ 

What policies did Republican governments follow in the 1920s to encourage industrial growth? 

•  ‘Republicans believed that government should interfere as little as possible in the everyday lives of people.’
• ‘This attitude is called ‘laissez-faire’.’
• ‘The job of government was to leave the businessman alone to do his job.’
• ‘The Republicans believed in import tariffs.’
• ‘This made imports more expensive and protected US industries.’
• ‘The Fordney-McCumber tariff made imported food expensive.’
• ‘The Republicans kept taxes low.’
• ‘If people had more money they would spend it on American goods.’
• ‘The Republicans allowed the development of trusts.’
• ‘These were huge super-corporations which dominated industry.’ 

Describe the difficulties faced by Black Americans in the 1920s.

•  ‘The violence of the Ku Klux Klan.’
• ‘Fierce racism and mob rule.’
• ‘Poorly paid jobs.’
• ‘Limited education.’
• ‘Lower life expectancy.’
• ‘Facing intolerance.’
• ‘Living conditions poor.’
• ‘Racial inequality.’
• ‘The Jim Crow laws.’

What was the Jazz Age? 

•  ‘The Jazz Age was the name given to the 1920s in America.’
• ‘The Jazz Age was a time when some Americans broke away from traditional values.’
• ‘The Jazz Age was the time of the flappers.’
• ‘It was the time when jazz music became a national phenomenon.’
• ‘The Jazz Age was a time when jazz appealed to young white Americans because they thought it was exciting and modern.’
• ‘The Jazz Age was a time when jazz became linked with dance music.’
• ‘It was a time when nightclubs became popular, such as the Cotton Club of Harlem.’
• ‘The Jazz Age was the same time as the Roaring Twenties.’ 

Describe how car ownership changed people’s lives in 1920s America.  

• ‘People could live in the suburbs and travel into the city centre.’
• ‘They carried their owners to and from their entertainments.’
• ‘Cars carried boyfriends and girlfriends beyond the moral gaze of their parents.’
• ‘The car took Americans to an increasing range of sporting events.’
• ‘Americans could visit shopping malls.’
• ‘They could go on holidays to the beach or picnics in the country.’
• ‘Americans could visit family and friends.’
• ‘It gave employment to car workers.’
• ‘It gave employment to road builders and hotel construction workers.’
• ‘It gave employment to workers in other industries, such as glass, rubber, steel and leather.’ 

What happened at the Monkey Trial?

•  ‘Fundamentalist Christians managed to pass a law banning the teaching of evolution in six states.’
• ‘In Tennessee, one of the six states, a biology teacher, John Scopes, deliberately broke the law.’
• ‘Scopes taught ‘evolution’ and was arrested and taken to court.’
• ‘The trial took place in 1925.’
• ‘A leading criminal lawyer, Clarence Darrow, defended Scopes.’
• ‘The prosecution was led by a Fundamentalist, William Jennings Bryan.’
• ‘Scopes was found guilty and fined $100.’
• ‘At the trial, the anti-evolutionists were subjected to great mockery.’
• ‘Bryan was ridiculed when he tried to defend the Bible’s version of the creation of mankind.’
• ‘The trial had seriously weakened the anti-evolution lobby.’ 

What benefits did the US economy gain from the First World War? 

•  ‘The US gained markets during the War.’
• ‘It took markets from Britain in South America and Asia.’
• ‘It built up its finances from the War, which could be invested in future industrial production.’
• ‘Strategic industries developed during the War including iron and steel, coal, iron and electrical production. These could be used for peaceful purposes.’
• ‘It developed its chemical industry and overtook Germany as the world’s leading country for chemicals.’
• ‘The advertising industry learned its skills during the War.’
• ‘The US economy was not damaged by the War so it could increasingly invest in consumer goods.’ 

Describe the new industries that developed in the USA in the 1920s. 

•  ‘The car industry developed.’
• ‘Mass production techniques were developed.’
• ‘The chemical industry created new materials such as rayon.’
• ‘There were industries making consumer goods such as washing machines, radios and vacuum cleaners.’
• ‘The electricity industry was bringing electricity to many homes for the first time.’
• ‘Refrigerators were developed.’
• ‘There was an advertising industry.’
• ‘The media industry was developed.’
• ‘Many of the new industries used mass production where workers on a production line would do one aspect of the construction in sequence.’
• ‘Many new industries were producing consumer goods for which there was a high demand.’ 

How did Henry Ford organise motor car production?

•  ‘He used a moving assembly line.’
•  ‘The worker would carry out one or two tasks, such as putting on wheels.’ (Level 2, 3 marks)
•  ‘The line moved the work to the next worker.’
•  ‘The key was to keep, as Ford put it, ‘everything in motion’.’
•  ‘At the beginning of the line, a skeleton car went in; at the end of the line was a new car.’
•  ‘The production of his cars was in Detroit.’ 

What difficulties faced American agriculture in the 1920s? 

• ‘The demand from Europe fell.’
• ‘The War in Europe was over.’
• ‘Europe was poor and started to grow more of its own food.’
• ‘It was partly a response to US tariffs which disadvantaged European goods into the USA.’
• ‘Farmers struggled against the efficient Canadian wheat producers.’
• ‘European grain imports were mainly Canadian rather than from the USA.’
• ‘The underlying problem was over-production, which meant a low price for their crops.’
• ‘Farmers were producing surpluses of wheat which nobody wanted.’
• ‘More and more land was being farmed with more machinery, like the combine harvester,
• and improved fertilisers.’
• ‘In the 1920s, there were many farm bankruptcies and the collapse of many rural banks.’
• ‘Many farmers had to leave the land and look for jobs in the towns and cities.’ 

Part B

Why did some American people not share in the economic ‘boom’ of the 1920s? 

•  ‘Unemployment remained stubbornly high throughout the 1920s.’
• ‘Workers in old industries such as coal, leather and textiles received low pay.’
• ‘Competition from man-made fibres depressed wages.’
• ‘Industry grew by electrification and mechanisation not new jobs.’
• ‘Most farmers suffered from low prices.’
• ‘Black people suffered discrimination in employment.’
• ‘Native Americans lived on very poor land.’ 

Workers in sunset industries did not share in the economic boom due to stiff competition from other industries. New alternative energy sources like oil, gas and electricity reduced the need for coal, while cotton and wool factories faced competition from synthetic materials like nylon and rayon. These factories struggled to earn enough revenue, resulting in wage cuts and staff cuts. These workers therefore saw a drop in their earnings and many of them even lost their jobs. 

Farmers did not share in the economic boom because they faced competition from farmers overseas. The demand for crops from Canada and Argentina increased, reducing the demand for American produce. The demand for American produce decreased further when European farmers recovered from the First World War and started growing crops to fend for themselves, no longer needing to rely on American farmers for food. Hence, the prices of American crops fell dramatically, causing many farmers to go bankrupt and live below the poverty line. 

Black Americans did not share in the economic boom. 80% of Black Americans worked as low-paid farm workers and sharecroppers. However, the need for manual labour decreased with the introduction of the combine harvester and other machinery. 75% of Black farm workers lost their jobs and moved to northern cities, where they were faced with racial discrimination – the majority of factories were ‘white-only’ while millions of Black women worked as low-paid domestic workers in white households. 

Why did the cinema become increasingly influential in American life during the 1920s?

‘In the generation before the war, sex had still been a taboo subject. The cinema quickly discovered the selling power of sex. Clara Bow was portrayed as the “It” girl, “It” being sex. Films such as “Up in Mabel’s Room” and “A Shocking Night” were considered very daring but very popular, as was Rudolph Valentino in “The Sheik”. There was concern that these films affected young people’s morals.’

• ‘The average working week dropped, giving people more leisure time.’
• ‘Workers had more disposable income as real wages rose.’
• ‘Hollywood produced a huge number of films throughout the year.’
• ‘Cinema seats were made cheap, often only 10 cents.’
• ‘By the end of the ‘20s, there were 100 million cinema tickets sold each week.’
• ‘In 1927, the first “talkie” was made.’
• ‘Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton became huge stars.’
• ‘Hollywood turned out dozens of films a month about sex.’

The cinema became influential because it promoted the generation gap between young and old. Movies depicted more sex, kissing and nudity, encouraging younger people to have more liberal views about sex and contraceptives. Sex symbols rose to prominence, including Clara Bow and Rudolf Valentino, influencing teenagers to have sex before marriage. This was greatly frowned upon by older generations who had extremely traditional views regarding sex. 

The cinema was influential because it was a source of escapism and entertainment for Americans. With the increase in the average workers’ wages, people had more disposable income and would spend money on movie tickets, going to the cinema multiple times a week. With movie producers releasing new films every month, Americans wanted to catch up on the latest releases. Furthermore, with movie tickets being sold at only 10 cents each, Americans flocked to the cinema to watch the latest films. Many Americans would also go to the cinema as a form of escapism from the horrors of the First World War. 

The cinema became influential with the rise of Hollywood and the developments of the movie industry in the 1920s. Hollywood turned out dozens of films a month and catapulted many movie stars to fame, including Charlie Chaplin, Clara Bow and Rudolf Valentino. Talkies, silent films, newsreels and coloured movies were also marketed, encouraging movie viewership among Americans who wanted to catch the latest releases. 

(These paragraphs are so bad I’m sorry)

Why were mass-production techniques crucial to the economic boom? 

• ‘Mass-production techniques made it easier to manufacture goods than by hand.’
• ‘Mass-production techniques meant goods could be produced more quickly.’
• ‘Mass-production techniques meant goods were cheaper.’
• ‘Mass-production techniques meant more people could afford consumer goods.’
• ‘Mass-production techniques meant a greater range of consumer goods became readily available.’

Mass-production techniques were crucial to the economic boom because they made goods cheaper. The standardisation of goods and the efficiency of the assembly line allowed production costs to be lowered and a subsequent decrease in the prices of consumer goods. This allowed the average American to afford many of these goods that were previously regarded as luxuries for the affluent. As such, millions of Americans purchased these items, greatly increasing company revenue and strengthening the economy. 

Mass-production techniques also contributed to the boom because production became quicker and more efficient. In an assembly line system, goods were made by workers fitting the parts together as they came down a conveyor belt. Each worker was responsible for the same task. This made the production of items quicker and more efficient, hence companies could cut production costs and raise wages. This contributed to the cycle of prosperity – as workers earned more money, they could spend it on other goods, adding to company revenue and strengthening the economy. 

Mass-production techniques were also important for the economic boom as a greater range of consumer goods became readily available. Since the production of goods was so quick and efficient, companies came up with many other varieties of consumer goods that were marketed to Americans. People were willing to try out new ideas and purchase new products, hence more items were bought and companies earned more money, contributing to the country’s economy. 

Why did new forms of entertainment become increasingly popular in the 1920s?

• ‘Cinema provided escapism.’
• ‘The arrival of ‘talkies’ made cinema increasingly popular.’
• ‘People were keen to see the new cinema celebrities.’
• ‘Most people had more leisure time.’
• ‘People had more disposable income.’
• ‘Radios could be purchased in instalments.’
• ‘The first ‘talkie’ movie was released in 1927.’
• ‘Radios produced the age of the great dance bands, such as the band led by Joe Candullo.’
• ‘The Jazz Age was a time when jazz became linked with dance music.’
• ‘It was a time when nightclubs became popular, such as the Cotton Club of Harlem.’

The cinema became popular because it provided escapism. Many were still shocked from the horrors of the First World War and would watch movies to forget about the war. The comfortable and luxurious atmosphere of cinemas and the variety of movies released provided escapism for millions of Americans, who would go to the cinema two or three times a week to catch up on the latest films. 

The cinema was also popular due to the rise of Hollywood. Hollywood would release dozens of films every month, ranging from silent films to talkies to newsreels. Movie stars, such as Charlie Chaplin and Rudolf Valentino, were catapulted to fame. Viewers wanted to catch the latest blockbusters and see their favourite actors on screen, greatly increasing movie viewership. 

Jazz music became extremely popular due to an increase in the number of radios owned. Mass-production made radios extremely affordable for ordinary Americans who had more disposable income due to higher wages. By the end of the 1920s, 75% of households owned at least one radio set. Jazz music had a huge reach due to the millions of people who had radios in their homes, causing jazz musicians like Duke Ellington to become famous. 

New forms of entertainment became popular as people had more leisure time. Household appliances like washing machines significantly reduced the amount of time women had to spend on housework, giving them time to enjoy themselves watching movies or dancing in dance halls. With many companies earning huge revenues, wages rose and the average working hours decreased, enabling many to try out these new forms of entertainment. 

Why was the growth of mail order and nationwide advertising important to the economic boom? 

• ‘American consumer industries needed to sell vast numbers of goods.’
• ‘Advertising needed to convince Americans that they needed a particular product.’
• ‘Advertising needed to persuade Americans to keep up with their neighbour in buying.’
• ‘Mail order allowed people to consider buying goods from their own home.’
• ‘Mail order made it easy to buy consumer goods without going to the shops.’
• ‘It opened up rural areas.’
• ‘It created more employment.’
• ‘It made goods more accessible.’

Advertising was important to the boom as it encouraged consumerism among Americans. Advertisements were eye-catching and used persuasive techniques, convincing Americans that they needed particular products. Hence, many Americans bought a huge number of new consumer goods, increasing company revenue and contributing greatly to the economy. 

The growth of mail order was important because it made goods more accessible for those who lived in rural areas. There were few shops and services in rural regions, which made it difficult for rural dwellers to access them. Mail order services allowed new consumer goods to be delivered to the doorsteps of these people, making it a very popular scheme. With more rural Americans engaging mail order services, the demand for new consumer goods rose further, leading to an increase in company profits, strengthening the economy. 

The growth of mail order was also beneficial because it created more employment. Many men were employed as drivers who would deliver many consumer goods to the homes of those who lived in rural areas. Moreover, with more people living in rural areas buying consumer goods, the demand for them increased, factories needing to employ more workers to keep up with the demand. This contributed to the cycle of prosperity, for workers had higher wages and disposable incomes to spend on consumer items, strengthening the economy. 

Why was the First World War beneficial to the developing American economy of the 1920s? 

• ‘The US lent money to Britain and France.’
• ‘The US sold weapons to the Allies.’
• ‘Money made from selling weapons to the Allies was invested in industry.’
• ‘The US took Europe’s markets around the world.’
• ‘The US outstripped Germany in the supply of chemical products.’
• ‘Explosives manufacture led to by-products such as plastics.’
• ‘The USA only joined the war for a short time and this did not drain the US economy.’
• ‘Expanding trade markets boosted the economy of the 1920s.’

The First World War benefited the US economy because the US capitalised on the vulnerable state of the European economy. European industries were devastated by the war, allowing the US to become the world’s leading economy and exporter. The US became the frontrunner in the production and export of chemicals and other consumer goods. With many countries purchasing US goods, the demand increased exponentially, contributing significantly to the economy. 

The war was also beneficial because of war loans. During the war, the US lent significant sums of money to Britain and France to aid their war effort. In the 1920s when the war was over, Britain and France started to repay the money. More than $10 million was repaid to the US, this huge sum strengthening the economy greatly. 

Why did agriculture suffer from over-production in the 1920s? 

• ‘New machines made production much easier and quicker.’
• ‘America was producing far more than the Americans needed for their own use.’
• ‘European markets no longer imported so much American food.’
• ‘There was competition from Canadian farmers.’
• ‘US tariffs caused problems.

Why did many American farmers find it difficult to make a living in the 1920s? 

• ‘Food exports to Europe were reduced.’
• ‘There was overproduction of foodstuffs.’
• ‘Prices fell which caused hardship for the farmer.’
• ‘There was competition from Canada and Argentina.’
• ‘Farmers had borrowed from banks and, with lower prices, they could not pay their debts.’
• ‘Banks seized farms if debts had not been paid.’
• ‘In the South, there was too much reliance on one crop.’
• ‘Crops were lost to pests such as the boll weevil.’
• ‘European nations would not take US farm products as US had placed tariffs on imports.’

Why did most black Americans not benefit from the industrial boom? 

•  ‘They were not employed in industry.’
• ‘Many were sharecroppers or labourers in farming.’
• ‘There was an agricultural slump in the 1920s.’
• ‘Most jobs were in the low pay sector such as domestic service or casual labouring.’
• ‘High wage industries often operated a whites-only employment policy.’
• ‘Black Americans met with considerable discrimination.’
• ‘Lacked money for the new technologies/good housing.’ 

Why was the Sacco-Vanzetti case controversial?

• ‘Sacco and Vanzetti were convicted on flimsy evidence.’
• ‘The trial took place at the height of the ‘Red Scare’.’
• ‘The prosecution played on racist slurs and stirring up fears about their radical beliefs.’
• ‘The judge was biased.’
• ‘After the trial, the judge called them ‘those anarchist bastards’.’
• ‘There were 6 years of legal appeals before their execution.’
• ‘The trial attracted world-wide protests.’

Why was there a revival of support for the Ku Klux Klan in the 1920s? 

• ‘It was a response to the dislike of increased immigration.’
• ‘It was a response by some Protestants to the influx of Jews and Catholics.’
• ‘There was a fear of a communist revolution with the growing number of eastern European immigrants.’
• ‘It was a reaction to the film The Birth of a Nation.’
• ‘There was a feeling that decent American values had to be defended.’
• ‘There was a national and state structure with full-time paid recruiters.’
• ‘To defend jobs and the levels of pay.’

Why did the popularity of radio increase in 1920s America?

• ‘40% of American households had a radio by the end of the 1920s.’
• ‘The first national network, the NBC, was set up in 1926.’
• ‘There had been over 500 commercial radio stations.’
• ‘Radio was used to broadcast light musical entertainment to a mass audience.’
• ‘It was the age of great dance bands, such as Joe Candullo, Meyer Davis and Jean Goldkette.’
• ‘They played tunes such as ‘Swanee River Blues’, ‘Black Bottom’ and ‘Gimme A Little Kiss, Will Ya, Huh?’.’
• ‘Radio provided a fresh start for some artists such as comedians, instrumentalists, impersonators, and vocalists.’
• ‘Vaudeville and variety theatres were declining and radio provided an opportunity for these artists.’

Why were many Americans shocked by the lifestyle of modern American women?

•  ‘Some women began smoking (drinking and kissing) in public.’
• ‘Many women went out without chaperones.’
• ‘Short hair and make-up became symbols of the new freedom.’
• ‘Some women abandoned (corsets and) long restrictive dresses.’
• ‘They began wearing shorter (lighter) skirts and dresses.’
• ‘The new fashions and materials allowed greater movement and self-expression.’
• ‘Some women drove cars.’
• ‘They went to outrageous parties.’
• ‘They did dances like the Charleston (and the Black Bottom).’ 

Why was Prohibition introduced? 

•  ‘It was claimed that alcohol caused social problems.’
•  ‘Saloons were seen as dens of vice that destroyed family life.’
•  ‘The Protestant Church supported the cause.’
•  ‘Many brewers were of German descent and the First World War had created strong anti-German feelings.’
•  ‘Eighteen states already had their own prohibition laws.’
•  ‘Some believed the grain used for alcohol could be used for bread.’
•  ‘Industrialists thought it would reduce absenteeism.’
•  ‘Politicians realised they could pick up votes.’

Why were Sacco and Vanzetti executed?

•  ‘Many saw a threat to traditional American life.’
• ‘Many blamed new immigrants for this threat.’
• ‘The Red Scare feared communists and anarchists.’
• ‘The hysteria was stoked up by the press.’
• ‘Sacco and Vanzetti were immigrants and anarchists.’
• ‘They were executed on flimsy evidence.’
• ‘They were executed because of a prejudiced judge.’
• ‘Their trial was unjustly conducted.’ 

Why was the development of assembly-line production important for the growth of the economy? 

•  ‘It created employment.’
• ‘It produced cheaper goods.’
• ‘Consumer goods were within the range of more people.’
• ‘It produced a wide range of products.’
• ‘It improved people’s standard of living.’
• ‘The moving assembly-line in car production stimulated other industries.’
• ‘Washing machines, fridges and radios became affordable.’

Why did farmers not share in the prosperity of the 1920s?

•  ‘They were overproducing.’
• ‘Falling prices.’
• ‘Competition from Canada and Argentina.’
• ‘Surplus food could not be exported.’
• ‘Overreliance on a single crop.’
• ‘Improved machinery made agriculture extremely efficient.’
• ‘Patterns of food consumption/clothing materials were changing.’ 

Why did the cinema become increasingly popular in 1920s America? 

•  ‘Cinema provided escapism.’
•  ‘The arrival of ‘talkies’ made cinema increasingly popular.’
•  ‘People were keen to see the new cinema celebrities.’
•  ‘Some people had increased leisure time.’
•  ‘Some people had more disposable income.’ 

Why did US governments in the 1920s follow policies favourable to big business? 

•  ‘The governments in the 1920s were Republican.’
• ‘The governments in the 1920s represented the business classes.’
• ‘The Republicans believed in laissez-faire.’
• ‘The Republicans believed in import tariffs to protect home industries.’
• ‘The Republicans kept taxation low.’
• ‘The Republicans allowed the development of trusts.’ 

Why was there a growth in popular entertainment in America during the 1920s?

• ‘Most people had more leisure time.’
• ‘People had more disposable income.’
• ‘An attitude of ‘putting the war behind them’.’
• ‘Radios could be purchased in instalments.’
• ‘Cinemas were improving technically.’
• ‘There were numerous sporting heroes and people followed them.’
• ‘The car helped their owners to and from the entertainments.’ 

Why did the boom fail to benefit all Americans? 

• ‘Female cotton operatives were paid very low wages.’
• ‘There was less demand for cotton textiles.’
• ‘Synthetic fibres were being used more.’
• ‘There was less demand for coal.’
• ‘Coal workers suffered wage cuts.’
• ‘A large number of Americans lived below the poverty line.’
• ‘There was a slump in farming.’
• ‘Food exports to Europe were reduced.’
• ‘There was overproduction of foodstuffs.’
• ‘Prices fell which caused hardship for the farmer.’
• ‘There was competition from Canada and Argentina.’
• ‘Farmers could not pay their debts.’
• ‘In the South, there was too much reliance on one crop, which made the farmer vulnerable.’
• ‘Crops were lost to pests such as the boll weevil.’
• ‘The US had placed tariffs on imports.’
• ‘Native Americans suffered from poor education and ill health.’
• ‘Immigrants often found it hard to find jobs.’
• ‘Many people were unemployed.’ 

Why did the radio industry grow rapidly? 

 ‘People had more leisure time. The average working week dropped by three hours during the 1920s, so people had more time to listen to the radio.’

 ‘Average wages rose by 11% in real terms during the 1920s so workers had more disposable income. Much of this increase of money was channelled into entertainment and especially the radio.’

 ‘Most households had a radio set because they were relatively cheap. People who could not

afford one outright could buy one in instalments.’ 

 ‘In 1921, there was one licensed radio station in the U.S.A., but by the end of 1922 there were over 500 stations. As a result, there was a huge range of choice over programmes.’  

•  ‘People had more leisure time.’
•  ‘There was more disposable income for some.’
•  ‘Radios were easy to buy.’
•  ‘The choice of programmes grew rapidly.’
•  ‘There were many radio stations.’ 

Why did some people disapprove of young people’s behaviour?

‘After the war, many young people were determined to enjoy themselves. This upset many conservative-minded people who disapproved of their behaviour.’ 

‘There were new attitudes among many young women. Some smoked and drank in public. They wore short skirts and bobbed their hair. They went unchaperoned to parties, dances and the cinema. Again, those with traditional beliefs disapproved of their appearance and the way they acted.’ 

‘There was a new attitude amongst many young women in sexual morals. In the generation before the war, sex had been a taboo subject. After the war it became commonplace in tabloid newspapers, Hollywood films and everyday conversation. There was a strong conservative element in American society and the reaction of many women to the new morality was one of opposition and outrage.’

•  ‘Some young people behaved outrageously.’
•  ‘Some did not behave like their parents.’
•  ‘Some thought the young were involved in one long party.’
•  ‘They dressed differently.’
•  ‘There was a difference in sexual morals.’
•  ‘Some people did not live the traditional life.’
•  ‘Young people wasted hard-earned money.’ 

Why did some industries not prosper from the economic boom in the 1920s? 

‘In the long-established traditional industries consumer demand did not grow as fast. The markets for these goods were long established and the products were not new and exciting.’

‘Some traditional industries faced competition from the newer industries such as cotton and man-made fibres.’

Coal lost ground to oil, gas and electricity. As a result, many coal mines closed.’

‘Shipbuilding suffered because of a decline in world trade.’

‘Newer production methods, such as the moving assembly line, made newer goods cheaper to produce.’ 

• ‘The traditional industries lost markets.’
• ‘People spent their money on cheaper products.’
• ‘Newer, cleaner fuels were used.’
• ‘World trade declined.’ 

Part C

‘The “Red Scare” was the most important example of intolerance in America in the 1920s.’ How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer. 

‘People in 1920s America were scared by the idea that communism could take hold in their country. This ‘Red Scare’ meant immigrants, anyone with extreme political views and anyone who was not a WASP could be targeted. Trade unionists, African Americans, Jews, Catholics and almost all minority groups were accused of being communists.’ 

OR 

‘The Ku Klux Klan was an important example of intolerance in 1920s America. It was an organisation that believed in white supremacy. The Klan regarded African Americans as inferior, and used violence to intimidate them. Many African Americans were beaten and lynched.’ 

•  ‘Americans thought eastern European immigrants were all communists.’
•  ‘The 1919 General Strike was seen as evidence of a communist plot.’
•  ‘Socialist organisations were raided.’
•  ‘Socialist books and pamphlets were seized.’
•  ‘Sacco and Vanzetti were victims of the Red Scare.’
•  ‘The Monkey Trial highlighted religious intolerance.’
•  ‘Immigration laws discriminated against certain national groups.’
•  ‘The Ku Klux Klan fuelled intolerance.’
•  ‘There was discrimination against African Americans.’
•  ‘Prohibition showed intolerance to some groups in society.’ 

The Red Scare was an important aspect of intolerance because it highlighted how afraid Americans were of anarchy and communism. In the 1920s, more than 3600 strikes involving 400,000 workers convinced Americans that communists were trying to take over America, causing hysteria. Socialist organisations were raided and socialist pamphlets, books and other materials were seized. Immigrants, especially Eastern Europeans, were accused of being anarchists and were ostracised by Americans. The Red Scare highlighted the intolerance shown towards communists and socialists. 

The Red Scare was also an important example of intolerance because of the Palmer Raids. In 1922, there were a series of bombings by workers who were campaigning for better working conditions. One of them partially destroyed the home of Mitchell Palmer, a senior politician. Palmer devoted himself to catching anyone who was a communist. More than 4000 suspected ‘aliens’ were arrested while 556 were deported. Investigations later showed that the majority of those who were deported were not communist. This shows that Americans were blinded by the hysteria caused and the anti-communist sentiment that thorough investigations were not conducted before deporting suspected communists. 

However, another aspect of intolerance was the Monkey Trial. In 6 states in the Bible Belt, Charles Darwin’s Theory of Evolution was banned in schools as it went against creationism. John Scopes, a high school science teacher, was tried in court and eventually fined $100 for teaching this to his students. This demonstrates intolerance towards modern thinking despite the Theory having sound scientific evidence. The traditionalists were so intolerant of any beliefs that went against the Bible that they wanted Scopes to be tried in court for a minor crime. 

Restrictions on immigration was another significant form of intolerance. The majority of immigrants arrived in America penniless, living in ghettos that were plagued by prostitution, drugs and other illicit activities. Americans blamed society’s ills on immigrants and these ghettos, the xenophobic sentiment increasing. Hence, the 1921 Immigration Quota Act and 1925 National Origins Act were imposed to limit the number of immigrants. This highlights intolerance towards immigrants even though they were not the cause of societal issues. 

The most important aspect of intolerance was Prohibition. The Prohibition law came into force in January 1920, making the sale and consumption of alcohol illegal. However, many Americans were desperate to drink and found many ways around the law, including the establishment of underground speakeasies, bootlegging liquor from Mexico and concocting their own alcohol in illegal ‘stills’ at home. By the end of the 1920s there were more than 3000 speakeasies in New York City, while a total of 282,000 stills were seized by Prohibition enforcement agents. The lengths that many went to to obtain alcohol demonstrates the extreme intolerance towards the law, causing it to be repealed in December 1933. 

Overall, although the Red Scare was a significant form of intolerance since immigrants and those who held anarchist views were discriminated against, it was not the most important aspect. This is because the Red Scare only lasted for a few years. The most important example of intolerance was Prohibition, with millions of Americans partaking in illegal activity to sell, distribute and consume alcohol. This lasted for 13 years before the law was finally repealed in 1933. 

‘The most important change for women in the 1920s was increasing employment opportunities.’ How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer.

 ‘The number of women in employment increased by 25% to 10 million by 1929, although women continued to be paid less than men for precisely the same work. Office work and manufacturing accounted for much of the increase and in some new industries, such as electronics, women were preferred to men.’ 

OR 

 ‘The lifestyle of many women changed in the 1920s. Before the war, women were expected to be modest, polite and discrete. This meant no drinking or smoking and, if unmarried, no male company without a chaperone. In the ‘20s, it was not unusual for women to drink, smoke and kiss in public. It was thought respectable by those living in towns and cities to have no chaperone.’ 

• ‘The number of women in employment increased by a quarter in the 1920s.’
• ‘Office work and jobs in manufacturing were the most popular.’
• ‘Women got the vote in all states.’
• ‘Women’s fashions changed.’
• ‘New fashions and materials, such as rayon.’
• ‘Short hair and make-up became symbols of the new freedom.’
• ‘Women drove cars.’
• ‘Ford introduced colour cars in 1925 for the female market.’
• ‘Women acted with more independence.’
• ‘The changes brought in by the ‘flappers’ did not affect the majority of women.’
• ‘Women in small communities and rural areas tended to continue their traditional roles.’
• ‘Labour-saving devices, such as washing machines, were still only owned by a minority.’

Employment opportunities were an important change for women because they could go to work and earn more money to support the household income. Women were the preferred employees because they could be paid less than men, employers saving more money. An expansion in office work saw millions of women being employed as it did not require manual labour. As such, more than 10 million women were in paid employment by 1930, earning wages to contribute to the household income. 

Employment opportunities were also an important change as it defied traditional attitudes about women. Traditionally, women were expected to stay at home, perform household chores and care for their children. The availability of work meant that women were not confined to their homes and their chores, work allowing them more liberty and freedom. They also gained more experience by working. 

However, the invention of labour-saving devices was an important change. New materials like plastic paved the way for household appliances such as vacuum cleaners and washing machines. These appliances significantly reduced the amount of time women had to spend on household chores. As such, women had more time for leisure activities such as going to the cinema and dance halls. Women therefore had more time and freedom to enjoy new forms of entertainment. 

The availability of make-up and clothing was another significant change for women. Companies produced ready-to-wear clothes and make-up, targeted at women. Women were encouraged to go shopping for these new goods. This changed their fashion style and also gave them more independence to purchase what they wanted, different from the traditional attitudes of women merely staying at home and performing housework. 

The introduction of the car was an important change for women. Cars that were sold extremely affordably enabled women to drive themselves around to leisure activities. It gave them greater freedom of movement and independence. Ford soon introduced coloured cars that were targeted at women as he recognised how women had been impacted by the introduction of cars. 

Overall, though cars, labour-saving devices and new fashions were significant changes for women in the 1920s, the most important reason was new employment opportunities. They enabled women to act with greater freedom and independence, earning more money to support the household income. It also changed attitudes about women at work, unlike the traditional role of staying at home and taking care of housework. 

‘Government policies were the main reason why the American economy boomed during the 1920s.’ How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer. 

‘The boom was mainly due to government policies. The Republican governments of the 1920s had policies that helped industry such as low taxes and high tariffs. Low taxes meant companies could invest more money and expand, while high tariffs protected American industry from foreign competition. Republicans believed that government should not regulate industry but that it should be allowed to develop as it wanted. This meant there was little regulation or government intervention. All this helped industry and business boom.’ 

OR 

e.g. ‘One important reason why the economy boomed was the development of the motor car industry. Much of America’s success was based on this. By 1929, one American in five owned a car. This was a massive increase. The car factories employed half a million workers and they had money to spend. The increase in the number of cars also led to the building of roads, hotels and petrol stations as well as to the development of industries such as glass, steel and leather. People also took more holidays. All this led to more jobs and to people spending money which stimulated the economy and led to the boom.’ 

•  ‘Mass production made many goods cheaper.’
• ‘Lower taxes gave people more money to spend.’
• ‘Lower taxes gave companies more money to invest.’
• ‘There were high tariffs.’
• ‘The policy of laissez-faire helped.’
• ‘Little government regulation left businesses free to expand as they wanted.’
• ‘The development of the car industry benefited the whole economy.’
• ‘Communications improved.’
• ‘It was due to the development of new materials and products such as Bakelite.’
• ‘New machinery helped the building industry.’
• ‘Advertising led to people spending more.’
• ‘Hire purchase allowed people to buy goods they could not afford outright.’ 

Republican policies were an important cause of the boom because of the tariffs placed on foreign goods. Imports from other countries were heavily taxed, making them significantly more expensive than local goods. Hence, Americans were encouraged to buy American products, increasing demand and adding to company revenue. 

The Republican attitude of ‘laissez-faire’ also contributed to the economic boom. “Laissez-faire” or “let-do” was employed by the Republican government by not intervening in business or economy, lowering taxes on company profits and not placing tight controls on the stock market. This allowed companies to expand and speculation on the stock market to rise. Many companies saw a sharp increase in company revenue, strengthening the economy. 

However, hire purchase and credit schemes were also important causes of the boom. These schemes enabled Americans to purchase goods with money they did not have with them there and then. They would first pay a deposit and then pay the rest of the money in monthly installments. This gave people the notion that they could buy first paying a small amount and worry about the rest of the payment later, increasing consumerism. Many companies earned more money, which boosted the economy. 

Another important cause of the boom was the First World War. Since the US had entered the war late, it did not suffer nearly as much economic or physical damage as European countries. Hence, when Europe was still recovering from the war, the US capitalised on the vulnerable state of its economy and took over overseas markets. This enabled the US to become the world’s leading economy and the frontrunner in numerous industries. 

New technological advancements were another cause of the boom, especially the introduction of electricity as a cheaper and more efficient alternative to coal. Many factories ran on electricity, hence production became quicker and cheaper. People’s houses also started to have electrical supplies, which then led to an increase in the number of electrical appliances sold, such as washing machines and vacuum cleaners. These companies saw a rise in company income, while they also managed to cut down on production costs by using electricity.  

Overall, though Republican attitudes did play a part in causing the economic boom, they were not as instrumental a cause as new technological advancements, especially the introduction of electricity. Electricity paved the way for the development of electrical appliances. It also allowed factories to adopt mass-production systems that made their production more efficient.

‘Prohibition was repealed because of the Depression.’ How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer. 

When the Wall Street Crash was followed by the Depression in the early 1930s, there were sound economic arguments for getting rid of Prohibition. Legalising the manufacture, sale and transportation of alcohol would create jobs, raise tax revenue and free up resources tied up in the impossible task of enforcing prohibition.’

OR

e.g. ‘The repeal of Prohibition was because the USA appeared to be lawless with rich and powerful gangsters committing murders while the police and judges appeared to be powerless. Gangsters, such as Al Capone, had corrupted the law enforcers so that the gangsters’ activities involving the sale of alcohol would be ignored. Repealing prohibition would undermine much of the gangsters’ activities.’

• ‘Jobs could be created in the alcohol trade.’
• ‘Taxes could be collected from alcoholic sales.’
• ‘The cost of enforcement would be saved.’
• ‘The repeal was supported by Roosevelt.’
• ‘Ordinary citizens were classed as criminals.’
• ‘Consumption of alcohol steadily increased during Prohibition.’
• ‘There was too much violence associated with breaking Prohibition.’
• ‘Prohibition had led to massive corruption.’
• ‘The Canadian border was difficult to patrol.’
• ‘Home-brewed alcohol or “moonshine” could be lethal.’
• ‘Prohibition was repealed because it did not work.

Prohibition was repealed as it was one of the tasks that Roosevelt promised his people in his presidential campaign in 1932. Millions of Americans were living in poverty from the Depression and desperately wanted their living conditions to improve. When they heard that Roosevelt planned to repeal the law to allow job opportunities to open and improve the economy, they voted for him and he won in a landslide victory. After being elected to office, Roosevelt worked hard to finally repeal the law on 5 Dec 1933. 

Prohibition was repealed because it would create jobs in the alcohol trade and alleviate the poverty caused by the Depression. Legalising the sale and distribution of alcohol would allow thousands to become involved in the trade and stand to earn money from it. This would enable Americans to recover from the Depression and get back up on their feet. 

However, another reason Prohibition was repealed was the fact that it led to massive corruption. The owners of speakeasies that sold alcohol and the leaders of gangs that were involved in its distribution paid Prohibition enforcement agents and top government officials huge sums of money to turn a blind eye to the illicit activity. 1 in 12 agents were sacked for accepting bribes, while investigations revealed that prominent governors and senators had accepted bribes as well. The law was thus repealed to prevent more corruption and dishonesty from plaguing American society.  

Gangsterism and violence was another reason for the repeal of Prohibition. Gangs would fight each other to protect their supply of alcohol. In the St Valentine’s Day massacre in 1929, Al Capone’s gang brutally murdered members of their rival gangs to protect their alcohol trade. With widespread violence from gang activity, America was becoming a lawless and dangerous place, hence the law was repealed to prevent the violence from escalating. 

Health risks that arose from the production of homemade alcohol was another reason why Prohibition was repealed. Americans desperate for alcohol resorted to making their own concoctions, known as moonshine or bathtub gin, in illegal ‘stills’. They would add their own ingredients, such as ethanol, to their homemade liquor, which could be lethal. In 1928, there were more than 700 cases of alcohol poisoning, a large fraction of them resulting in death. Prohibition was therefore repealed to prevent more health scares. 

Overall, the most important reason why Prohibition was repealed was the Great Depression. The Depression saw millions of Americans living in abject poverty. Legalising the sale and trade of alcohol meant that Americans could benefit from the new job opportunities, earning money to pull themselves out of the Depression. 

‘During the 1920s workers in the traditional (older) industries suffered more than those in agriculture’ How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer.  

Workers in the traditional industries suffered very much in the 1920s. Many people were employed in the coal industry, but too much coal was being produced, which reduced prices. At the same time, people were switching to new power sources like electricity, gas and oil. Although coal was used to generate electricity, new efficient technology meant electricity producers did not use a lot of coal to produce a lot of energy. As a result of these changes, many coal mines closed and miners lost their jobs. Where mines stayed open, miners often faced wage cuts and therefore a drop in their standard of living.’ 

OR

 ‘Workers in agriculture suffered very much in the 1920s. American farms were producing far more food than Americans needed, and the price of grain collapsed. As incomes dropped, farmers could not afford to pay their rents or mortgages. Many were evicted from their farms or had to sell to clear debts. As a result many farm labourers lost their jobs. Some six million workers in agriculture were forced off the land in the 1920s.’ 

• ‘Workers in coal mining had their wages cut.’
• ‘Workrs in coal mining lost their jobs when mines closed.’
• ‘Wages in the tin and copper iendustries dropped.’
• ‘Workers in the cotton and wool industries were among the lowest paid factory workers.’
• ‘Female cotton operatives only earned $9 a week.’
• ‘Many small farmers could no longer afford rents or mortgage payments.’
• ‘Many black American agricultural labourers lost their jobs.’
• ‘Six million rural Americans were forced off the land in the 1920s.’
• Overproduction and competition from Canada and Argentina 

Those who worked in the coal industry suffered from overproduction and competition from new industries. The use of coal to generate electricity became more efficient, so its demand lessened. New alternatives like oil, gas and electricity was introduced that were more efficient and less expensive. Thus, the market for coal shrunk and became saturated. Many coal factories had to cut wages for workers. Coal mines were also forced to close, those working as coal miners rendered jobless.

Workers in cotton and wool industries also suffered from new industries. New technological advancements paved the way for new synthetic materials, especially nylon and rayon. These materials were less expensive to produce, hence clothing made from these materials were cheaper. As a result, there was less demand for coal and wool. The market for coal and wool shrunk and became saturated, thus many of the factories had to cut wages for workers. 

Many Black American farm labourers suffered due to mechanisation. Farms became increasingly mechanised with the introduction of the combine harvester, reducing the need for manual labour. As such, more than 80% of Black farm workers lost their jobs in the 1920s and had to migrate to the cities in the north, especially California, to seek employment. 

Many farmers also suffered because there was stiff competition from other countries. Farmers from Canada and Argentina started to export their grain, reducing demand for American crops. Crop and farm prices sunk by 50%, leaving farmers unable to afford rent or pay mortgage. Many were ultimately forced off the lands. 

Farmers suffered as there was an overproduction of grain. The surplus grain produced was usually sold to European countries devastated by the war. However, as European countries rebuild themselves and their farmers recovered, they no longer had to rely on American grain. The demand for American grain fell dramatically, causing farm prices to decline. 

Overall, though workers in old industries suffered from overproduction and competition, there were many more farmers and farm workers who were negatively impacted. Those working in the agricultural sector were rendered jobless by mechanisation while farm prices dropped dramatically from overproduction, leaving them unable to afford basic needs. 

‘US society was becoming more tolerant in the 1920s.’ How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer. 

 ‘There was more tolerance for women in the 1920s. Contraception reduced the size of families, and labour-saving devices allowed more women to work making them financially independent. This financial independence allowed a change in the traditional restrictive role. Women wore more daring clothes. They smoked in public and went out with men, without a chaperone.’ 

OR

‘People in 1920s America showed intolerance as they were scared by the idea that communism could take hold in their country. This ‘Red Scare’ meant immigrants, anyone with extreme political views and anyone who was not a WASP could be targeted. Trade unionists, black Americans, Jews, Catholics and almost all minority groups were accused of being communists.’ 

• ‘Women had greater freedom.’
• ‘Attitudes towards sex and contraception were changing.’
• ‘New tastes in entertainment were growing.’
• ‘The Ku Klux Klan fuelled intolerance.’
• ‘There was discrimination against black Americans.’
• ‘Prohibition showed intolerance towards some groups in society.’
• ‘Americans thought eastern European immigrants were all communists.’
• ‘Immigration laws discriminated against certain national groups.’
• ‘Socialist organisations were raided.’
• ‘Socialist books and pamphlets were seized.’
• ‘Sacco and Vanzetti were victims of the Red Scare.’
• ‘The Monkey Trial highlighted religious intolerance.’ 

US society became more tolerant in the 1920s because women became more independent and had more freedom. The introduction of cars allowed women to drive themselves around without male chaperones. Women also became more daring, wearing shorter skirts and make-up, traditionally frowned upon. This change in attitudes towards the lives of women showed that society became more tolerant. 

US society became more tolerant as there were changing attitudes towards sex and contraceptives. Hollywood movies depicted sex and kissing, encouraging youths to have sex before marriage and use contraceptives, traditionally frowned upon by older generations. As more young people held these liberal views about sex, more people in society started to accept this change. 

However, US society was not tolerant because of the discrimination Black Americans faced at the hands of the Ku Klux Klan. The KKK sought to terrorise Blacks by upholding the Jim Crow laws and beating and killing Blacks they deemed dangerous to society. Black Americans lived in constant fear of being targeted by the KKK. Society did not become more tolerant because the KKK that had amassed a huge following actively sought to terrorise the Black community.  

US society was also intolerant towards new immigrants. Immigrants usually arrived in America penniless and had to live in ghettos, many of which were plagued by prostitution, drugs and other illegal activities. Americans blamed them for society’s ills and the xenophobic sentiment increased. Hence, the Immigration Quota Act and National Origins Act placed restrictions on the number of immigrants that could live in America each year. 

US society was intolerant towards socialists. Thousands of strikes took place in 1920, involving more than 400,000 workers campaigning for improved working conditions, however Americans believed that they were communists trying to halt the prosperity caused by the boom and ruin their way of life. Thus, socialist organisations were raided and socialist books and pamphlets were seized and destroyed by authorities. 

Overall, US society did see a change in attitudes towards the role of women and sex, however this pales in comparison to the discrimination that Black Americans, immigrants and socialists faced, proving that society did not become more tolerant. The violence that the KKK inflicted upon Blacks and the discrimination faced by immigrants and socialists demonstrates the widespread intolerance that existed in the USA in the 1920s. 

‘Overproduction rather than competition from Canada was to blame for the difficulties faced by farmers in the 1920s.’ How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer. 

 ‘The underlying problem of the farming industry was overproduction. From 1900 to 1920, while farming was doing well, more and more land was being farmed. Improved machinery, especially the combine harvester, and improved fertilisers made US agriculture very efficient. The result was that by 1920 it was producing surpluses of wheat which nobody wanted and prices fell.’ 

OR 

‘Farmers struggled against competition from the highly efficient Canadian wheat producers. Canadian wheat prices were low and Canada started to supply grain to the world markets. European markets preferred Canadian grain because of the low price and because they did not want to buy American grain in retaliation for tariffs on European goods.’ 

• ‘During the war, the US farmers expanded growing areas to supply the European markets.’
• ‘After the war, Europe did not import so much US grain.’
• ‘The home market was steady and therefore there were surpluses.’
• ‘The surplus could not be sold, leading to lower prices and often bankruptcy.’
• ‘Canadian wheat farmers were very efficient.’
• ‘Canadian farmers were not involved in tariff wars.’
• ‘Canadian farmers supplied world markets.’

‘The boom made the US economy stronger and more secure.’ How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer

 ‘The boom was based mainly on new industries. As these industries boomed the number of jobs increased. Wages for many Americans rose as did a feeling of confidence. Increased wealth meant people could afford the consumer goods. The steel industry prospered because of the boom in the construction and car industries. The US economy seemed strong.’

OR

e.g. ‘The boom was built up on consumer spending on new products such as cars, fridges, washing machines and radios. Once those who could afford them had bought them, demand fell especially as exports were poor because of tariff retaliation. This led to a fall in shares and a collapse of the economy with the Wall Street Crash leading to Depression.’ 

• ‘The US economy became strong because of consumer demand.’
• ‘New products were invented or developed which were attractive to consumers.’
• ‘The assembly-line production in the car industry led to a huge demand.’
• ‘The automobile industry boosted numerous associated industries.’
• ‘The US was confident about its economy, it did not worry about exports.’
• ‘When demand was saturated, production began to fall in the consumer industries.’
• ‘Export markets were poor because of foreign tariffs on US goods.’
• ‘Europe could not afford US goods because of the aftermath of the war.’
• ‘As demand fell, shares were sold on the stock market.’
• ‘This led to the Wall Street Crash as shares lost their value.’
• ‘The economy was no longer strong and secure as Depression set in.’

‘Hire purchase was the most important factor in causing the American economic boom.’ How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer. 

‘Hire purchase was very important as it meant that more and more goods could be sold. People who could not afford to purchase an item outright were able to pay for it in instalments under a hire purchase agreement. This meant increasing numbers of goods were purchased which stimulated the economy.’

OR

e.g. ‘Republican policies were very important in causing the economic boom. Tariffs were placed on imported goods which made these imports more expensive than American made goods. This encouraged people to buy American, which helped American producers to increase their profits.’

• ‘Hire purchase meant people could purchase goods in instalments.’
• ‘Hire purchase meant people could buy goods even if they did not have enough money to pay on the spot.’
• ‘Mass marketing was important.’
• ‘Mass production helped to cause the economic boom.’
• ‘The motor industry boosted the economy.’
• ‘Republican policies were important.’
• ‘The USA had taken over European overseas markets in the war.’ 

‘Electricity created the boom in 1920s America.’ How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer. 

‘The widespread availability of electricity meant that homes and industry now had a clean, cheap and efficient power source. Domestic appliances powered by electricity, such as fridges, washing machines and vacuum cleaners became affordable to ordinary Americans. The demand for these appliances created companies and employment.’ 

OR 

e.g. ‘The motor car was central to America’s economic success. The car industry, which employed up to half a million workers, stimulated road and hotel construction, the building of roadside filling stations and the development of suburbs and holiday resorts. It also boosted a range of other associated industries such as plate glass, rubber, steel, leather and upholstery.’ 

• ‘The USA was rich in natural resources.’
• ‘The American economy emerged strong and reinvigorated from the First World War.’
• ‘Republican policies of high import tariffs favoured US businesses.’
• ‘Low taxes meant that consumers had more money to spend.’
• ‘There were advances in chemicals and synthetics.’
• ‘Cheap electricity.’
• ‘Mass advertising.’
• ‘The invention of ‘talking pictures’ boosted the film industry.’
• ‘Hire purchase allowed consumers to buy goods and pay for them in instalments.’
• ‘The motor industry was a huge employer and boosted numerous other industries.’
• ‘Mass production methods led to a fall in prices.’

Electricity caused the boom as it was a cheaper and cleaner energy source for homes. By the end of the 1920s, more than 70% of homes were equipped with electricity, which meant that more electrical appliances could be used. Americans started to buy new electrical appliances such as washing machines, televisions and vacuum cleaners. This increased demand for these new consumer goods, adding to company revenue and boosting the economy. 

Electricity contributed to the boom because numerous factories adopted this new source of energy. Electricity automated factories, making processes faster, more efficient and less costly. It was a cheaper and cleaner source of energy than coal. As manufacturing became more efficient, more consumer items and a larger variety of goods were produced, increasing consumerism and stimulating the economy. 

However, America’s abundance of natural resources also caused the economic boom. America’s huge raw material reserves enabled exports to different countries. Iron ore exports doubled, the volume of petrol exported rose by 30% while that of coal increased by 25%. America gained huge sums of money from the sale of these raw materials, stimulating the economy. 

The availability of credit also contributed to the economic boom. Credit enabled Americans to purchase items with money that they didn’t have outright. The sum was charged to one’s bank account, credit card loans issued at the end of each month. This gave Americans the notion that they could purchase items first with credit and worry about paying the sum later, increasing consumerism and adding to company revenue. 

Republican policies were another cause of the economic boom. The Republican government in the 1920s adopted a ‘laissez-faire’ policy, not intervening in business and financial institutions, placing few restrictions on the stock market and lowering taxes on company income. This allowed businesses to expand and earn more profits while more people engaged in speculation, also adding to company revenue and strengthening the economy. 

Overall, electricity was the most significant cause of the economic boom. Electricity allowed factories to become automated, making production quicker. This led to mass-production of various goods including electrical appliances, bought by Americans in huge amounts. This greatly increased company revenue, stimulating other industries and the economy. 

‘Prohibition failed because it could not be enforced.’ How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer.

‘The government appointed several thousand enforcement agents but this was not enough and they were poorly paid. They were open to threats and bribes made by criminal gangs. State officials, judges, senior police officers and jury members were often bought off with bribes.’

OR

e.g. ‘The biggest problem was that millions of Americans, especially in urban areas, were simply not prepared to obey this law. By 1925, there were more speakeasies in American cities than there had been saloons in 1919.’

• ‘Prohibition made alcohol more attractive through illegal speakeasies.’
• ‘Many urban Americans refused to obey the law on alcohol.’
• ‘Many made their own alcohol, called ‘moonshine’.’
• ‘The speakeasies were well supplied by bootleggers.’
• ‘Two thirds of the illegal whisky came from Canada.’
• ‘The border between the USA and Canada was almost impossible to patrol.’
• ‘Rum was smuggled from the West Indies.’
• ‘Organised gangs fought to control the manufacture and sale of alcohol.’
• ‘Organised gangs bribed policemen, enforcement agents, judges and juries.’

Prohibition could not be enforced because there was widespread corruption. Prohibition enforcement agents were bribed by gang leaders and alcohol distributors to turn a blind eye to the illegal activity. 1 in 12 agents were found guilty of accepting bribes. Top government officials, politicians and judges were also bribed. The fact that even those in high-ranking positions ignored the illegal activity proved that it was difficult to enforce.

Prohibition could not be enforced because of illegal speakeasies. These were illegal drinking establishments that sold alcohol, many of which were underground and had a password for entry. Thus, they were incredibly difficult to find and those who did not abide by the law could not be arrested. 

Prohibition also could not be enforced as people would make their own alcohol. Those desperate for alcohol resorted to making their own liquor at home, known as moonshine or bathtub gin. This alcohol was homemade in ‘stills’, hence it was difficult for Prohibition enforcement agents to identify and apprehend (??) people who made their own liquor. Since thousands of Americans did so, it was challenging to enforce. 

However, there were other reasons for the failure of Prohibition, one of which was the rise of gangsterism and violence. Gangs would fight each other to protect their alcohol supply as it was a million-dollar profiteering source. The St Valentine’s Day massacre of 1929 saw Al Capone’s gang murdering their rivals. Prohibition catalysed a rise in dangerous and violent activity that made America a lawless place.  

Another reason for Prohibition’s failure was the health issues that arose from homemade alcohol. When Americans made their own alcohol in their illegal stills, they would add their own ingredients to their concoctions, some of which could be lethal. There were more than 700 cases of alcohol poisoning in 1928. Prohibition failed because the ban on alcohol caused Americans to resort to other alternatives that led to extreme health risks. 

Overall, Prohibition was a failure because it was challenging to enforce. Widespread corruption, illegal speakeasies and homemade alcohol made it harder for Prohibition agents to enforce the law.

‘Prohibition was introduced because the drinking of alcohol brought social problems.’ How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer.

 ‘It was claimed that alcohol caused social problems such as poverty, crime, violence and ill health. The Anti-Saloon League and the Women’s Temperance Union were strong campaigners for abolition, suggesting the USA would be a better place.’ 

OR 

e.g. ‘Some industrialists, including Nelson Rockefeller, argued that Prohibition would be good for the economy as it would reduce absenteeism and promote hard work.’ 

• ‘Some individual states already had Prohibition laws.’
• ‘It might lead to a decrease in crime and poverty.’
• ‘The Protestant Church thought it would improve moral standards and family life in the big cities.’
• ‘Many American brewers were of German descent and there was antiGerman feeling just after the First World War.’
• ‘Some politicians saw it as a chance to pick up votes.’ 

Prohibition was enforced because alcohol was blamed for society’s ills. 

Prohibition was enforced as the Protestant Church thought it would improve moral standards and family life. 

However, Prohibition was introduced due to the anti-German sentiment from the war. 

Prohibition was introduced as politicians saw it as a chance to pick up votes. 

Prohibition was also introduced because 

‘The most important cause of the industrial boom was new technology.’ How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer.

 ‘After the war, there were important breakthroughs involving new products and means of production. The building industry benefited from new machines such as concrete mixers, pneumatic tools and power shovels. Communications were speeded up by automatic switchboards, dialphones and teletype machines. The start of radio broadcasting in 1921 created a demand for radios.’ 

OR 

‘The Republican governments of the 1920s followed financial policies that were considered favourable to business with low taxes, high tariffs and an absence of regulation or government intervention.’ 

•  ‘Advances in chemicals and synthetics brought rayon, Bakelite and cellophane.’
• ‘The widespread availability of electricity meant homes and businesses had an efficient
• power source.’
• ‘Mass production techniques increased productivity and reduced prices.’
• ‘The Republican governments favoured policies supporting business.’
• ‘Mass-marketing through adverts promoted the sale of goods.’
• ‘The use of hire purchase meant payments could be made in instalments to buy a product.’
• ‘The car industry employed large numbers and stimulated other industries.’
• ‘The American economy emerged from the First World War strong and reinvigorated.’
• ‘By 1900, the USA had a ready supply of oil, coal, iron and steel.’
• ‘Stock market activity aided the boom.’ 

‘Prohibition failed because most Americans did not support it.’ How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer. 

 ‘Most Americans did not support Prohibition because the consumption of alcohol increased. Prohibition had the undesired effect of making alcohol more attractive. Illegal bars, called ‘speakeasies’, became common and drinking continued here behind closed doors.’ 

OR

‘Prohibition failed because it boosted crime. Organised gangs controlled the manufacture and sale of alcohol. They bribed policemen and government officials. There was much feuding between the gangs leading to incidents like the Valentine’s Day Massacre of 1929 when rival gang members were murdered by Al Capone’s gang.’

•  ‘Consumption of alcohol increased during Prohibition.’
• ‘Many Americans went to speakeasies.’
• ‘Many brewed their own drink.’
• ‘Drinking continued in the homes of the rich.’
• ‘There were too many deaths from drinking ‘moonshine’.’
• ‘It was impossible to prevent alcohol being smuggled into the USA.’
• ‘‘Bootleg’ was smuggled in from the West Indies and Canada.’
• ‘Prohibition boosted crime.’
• ‘Organised gangs controlled the manufacture and sale of alcohol.’
• ‘There were never enough enforcement agents.’
• ‘It failed because of corruption.’
• ‘Prohibition could not be enforced.’
• ‘Judges, police and agents were often bribed.’ 

‘The Sacco and Vanzetti case was the most important example of intolerance in the USA during the 1920s.’ How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer. 

 ‘Sacco and Vanzetti were arrested on suspicion of murder and armed robbery. They were self-confessed anarchists and despised the economic and political system in the USA. The trial centred round their radical ideas more than the very thin evidence. As a result, they were found guilty and sentenced to death.’ 

OR 

‘The Ku Klux Klan revived in the 1920s and was attractive to those who thought traditional American values were under threat from black people, Jews, Catholics and immigrants. Members persecuted these groups, especially black people, leading to beatings, mutilations and lynchings.’

•  ‘There was the Red Scare.’
•  ‘Many feared immigrants bringing radical ideas to the USA following the Bolshevik Revolution.’
•  ‘The Palmer Raids led to arrests and deportations.’
•  ‘Fundamentalist Christians believed in the literal interpretation of the Bible.’
•  ‘The Monkey Trial was a triumph for the evolutionists.’
•  ‘Southern and eastern European immigrants were limited in numbers, while immigrants from Asia were barred.’
•  ‘The Ku Klux Klan wanted to maintain the white, Anglo-Saxon, Protestant community.

Which aspect of intolerance was more important: the actions of the Ku Klux Klan or the Monkey Trial? Explain your answer.

 ‘The Klan was the most extreme example of intolerance and racism. The Klan’s hatred went wider than just black people. Catholics, Jews, foreigners, liberals and homosexuals were also targets. The most extreme forms of persecution included beating, mutilation and lynching.’ 

OR 

e.g. ‘Fundamentalist Christians in rural areas of the south believed in a literal interpretation of the Bible. The fundamentalists succeeded in outlawing the teaching of evolution in six states. John Scopes was found guilty of teaching evolution, but the fundamentalists lost the argument and were ridiculed.’

•  ‘The Ku Klux Klan was an extreme organisation.’
• ‘It had 5 million followers in the mid ’20s.’
• ‘Many politicians, police and government officials belonged to the Klan.’
• ‘Fundamentalists had managed to ban teaching evolution in six states.’
• ‘Most states allowed the teaching of evolution.’
• ‘The ‘Monkey Trial’ showed the weakness of the Fundamentalists.’

‘The lives of all Americans improved in the boom years.’ How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer. 

 ‘Those with money or good jobs prospered from the economic boom. Mass production meant goods such as a car, fridge, vacuum cleaner, washing machine, radio and telephone were within reach of their income. The cost of living was falling with cheaper food and rising wages.’ 

OR 

e.g. ‘Many groups did not share the prosperity because of a lack of employment, low wages or discrimination. Many Black Americans worked as sharecroppers, but with the slump in agriculture most were laid off. Many went north to find work, but most got low paid jobs and poor housing.’ 

•  ‘The upper and middle classes prospered.’
• ‘20% owned a car by 1929.’
• ‘The cost of living fell during the 1920s.’
• ‘60% lived below the poverty line.’
• ‘Many farmers went out of business.’
• ‘Many Black Americans were unemployed or on low pay.’
• ‘Native Americans experienced prejudice and discrimination.’
• ‘New immigrants suffered unemployment, low pay and discrimination.’ 

‘Mass-marketing was the main reason for the economic boom of the 1920s.’ How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer. 

 ‘Mass nationwide advertising was developed bringing public attention to new products. Magazines and newspapers contained advertising to promote new products and encourage people to purchase them.’ 

OR 

‘The widespread availability of electricity meant homes and industry now had a clean, efficient and cheap power source. This enabled homes to power the new domestic appliances that became available which in turn brought a boom in the production of consumer goods.’

•  Mass-marketing – ‘Advertising was developed.’
• ‘Sophisticated sales techniques/use of brand names.’
• ‘Posters were placed alongside highways.’
• ‘Advertisements appeared in newspapers, magazines and were based on war-time experiences.’
• ‘Mail order catalogues were introduced.’
• Other reasons – ‘Communications were speeded up.’
• ‘Advances in chemicals and synthetics brought new products.’
• ‘Electric power became widely available.’
• ‘Assembly line production was introduced.’
• ‘Mass production led to a fall in prices.’
• ‘The motor industry was central to success.’
• ‘Hire purchase credit was introduced.’
• ‘Government policies were favourable to developing businesses.’

‘The main reason for many Americans living in poverty in the 1920s was racial discrimination.’ How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer. 

During the 1st World War, many black families in the South moved to the cities in the North, attracted by the jobs in factories. After the War, there was intense competition for jobs and many whites resented the black newcomers. Black people were given the lowest paid jobs and were the first to be laid off.’ 

OR 

‘The main reason for poverty in the 1920s was the crisis in agriculture. There was overproduction and therefore low prices. This resulted in 600000 farmers going out of business by 1924 and millions of farm labourers being made unemployed.’ 

•  ‘There was poverty because of the crisis in agriculture.’
• ‘There was a lack of government action to deal with poverty.’
• ‘There were millions of poor white farmers in the 1920s.’
• ‘The agricultural slump particularly hit black labourers and sharecroppers.’
• ‘Blacks moving to the North found little work and slum conditions.’
• ‘Native Americans found only low paid work off the reservations.’ 

Was Prohibition justifiable? Explain your answer.

 ‘When the Volstead Act was passed, 18 states had already banned the sale and distribution of alcohol. It was particularly popular in the ‘Bible Belt’ across the Mid-West where the Anti-Saloon League and the Women’s Temperance Union had been campaigning since the nineteenth century.’ 

OR 

‘It appeared illogical to spend vast sums on ineffective law enforcement. It also seemed absurd to continue with a law that suppressed an industry that could have employed thousands at a time of high unemployment.’ 

•  ‘Many said that alcohol was the cause of poverty, crime and ill-health.’
• ‘The ‘dries’ were influential in rural areas in the South and Midwest.’
• ‘The Protestant Church believed alcohol was linked to a decline in moral standards.’
• ‘Industrialists thought Prohibition would reduce absenteeism.’
• ‘Those in the big cities were strongly against Prohibition.’
• ‘It would lead to a loss of revenue.’
• ‘The illegal sale and distribution of alcohol would provide an opportunity for criminal gangs.’ 

‘The main reason for agricultural decline in the 1920s was competition from Canada.’ How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer. 

‘US farmers struggled against competition from the highly efficient Canadian wheat producers. European grain imports were mainly Canadian rather than from the USA. The Canadian farmers worked on huge units and were highly mechanised in their farming.’ 

OR

Overproduction was the biggest problem. From 1900–1920, farming was doing well and more and more land was being farmed. Improved machinery, especially the combine harvester, and especially improved fertilisers made the US agriculture efficient. By 1920, it was producing surpluses of wheat which nobody wanted.’ 

• ‘The problems were caused by overproduction.’
• ‘Canadian farmers were more efficient.’
• ‘The US population was dropping.’
• ‘Europe did not want US food after the War.’
• ‘The tariff system penalised US farmers.’
• ‘Prices crashed and so did farmers’ incomes.’
• ‘Southern farms were hit by the boll-weevil.’

How far did Americans benefit from the ‘boom’ of the 1920s? Explain your answer. 

•  ‘Many families remained poor.’
•  ‘Workers in older industries did not benefit.’
•  ‘It was better for the rich and middle classes.’
•  ‘There was discrimination against some groups.’
•  ‘Some were able to travel.’
•  ‘There were jobs.’
•  ‘More women were able to go to work.’
•  ‘Many farmers struggled to keep their farms profitable.’ 

‘The most important reason for the economic boom in the 1920s was government policy.’ How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer. 

•  ‘Taxation was low.’
• ‘Tariffs protected home produced goods.’
• ‘The government believed in laissez-faire.’
• ‘Trade unions were discriminated against.’
• ‘New technology created consumer goods.’
• ‘Profits from the War were invested in industry.’
• ‘Credit facilities became readily available.’
• ‘The expansion of the car industry boosted the economy.’ 

How far was the expansion of the automobile industry responsible for the economic ‘boom’ of the 1920s? Explain your answer.

•  ‘It created thousands of jobs.’
• ‘Other industries prospered because of the car industry.’
• ‘The “boom” was helped by government policy.’
• ‘Taxation was kept low.’
• ‘Tariffs protected home produced goods.’
• ‘Credit facilities became readily available.’
• ‘New technology helped create consumer goods.’
• ‘The widespread availability of electricity created demand for goods.’

How intolerant was American society in the 1920s? Explain your answer. 

• ‘There was the Red Scare.’
• ‘Attitudes towards immigrants and immigration were harsh.’
• ‘The Ku Klux Klan fuelled hatred.’
• ‘There was discrimination against Black Americans.’
• ‘The Sacco and Vanzetti Trial showed hatred against foreigners.’
• ‘Prohibition showed intolerance towards those who wished to drink alcohol.’
• ‘Women had greater freedom.’
• ‘Attitudes towards sex and contraception were changing.’
• ‘New tastes in entertainment were growing.’