Chapter 24 Speech

     The 1920s? The Roaring 20s? Or the New era? Call it whatever you want, but the 20s were perhaps the most notable time period in American history. This was not only because America was experiencing a great deal of economic growth and development, but it was also because the 20s was a time where new ideas could finally be heard. It was time for change and people were finally starting to realize it. Although there were many important parts to this time period, the victory of the modernists, the demonstration of African American Pride, the fail of prohibition, the fight for birth control, and the image of the flapper were the most important parts of this time period because each one clearly demonstrates the idea of change in this new era and also showed how people started to stray away from tradition and presumed cultural values.
     Many people believed that that the bible should be interpreted literally. There were even laws that were passed to prohibit any teachings in public schools that went against the Bible. The victory of the modernists proved that not all-religious dogma was subject to only one interpretation. People tried as hard as they could to keep tradition alive, but these traditions were tested daily with new ideas that could not be ignored. Because of this victory, new ideas about higher beings could be introduced to society and allow people to think freely about their religious beliefs.

     Another important part of this time period was the demonstration of African American pride. In Harlem, NY, the Harlem Renaissance was a place where black artists could flourish. Black artists noticed the presence of racism and immediately began to work towards change. These amazing artists and musicians did everything they could to prove their worthiness and richness of their own culture and heritage so people could finally accept them.

     The fail of prohibition was also one of the most important parts of this time period because the people were finally taking back what the government took away from them. People not only began to rebel but also continued to push the boundaries of certain laws in order for change to occur.

     The fight for birth control was very important because it finally gave women the freedom and recognition that they deserved. Margaret Sanger was the pioneer of this movement. She saw that a change in society needed to occur because women should have the right to control their own bodies. Not the government or society. This is how the flapper image came to be. Women were able to drink, smoke, dance, and wear whatever they wanted. They expressed themselves thorough multiple things and a liberated lifestyle. 

     The 20s was a time for change and a lot of things did change because people were dedicated to making the world a better place to live in. And these five things are clearly the most important parts of this era because they demonstrate the idea of change perfectly.