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KDKA goes on the air from Pittsburg
The was the world’s first commercially licensed station. Before radio had been relegated to amateur operators, but the practice had dropped in popularity after the U.S. military commandeered all the airwaves for military use during World War I. -
1st Miss American Pageant
Atlantic City was home to the first Miss America Pageant in 1921 which included representatives from 7 cities and Atlantic City. Sixteen year-old Margaret Gorman from Washington, DC won the first competition. This is important because it brought the country together for some friendly competition. Personality played a large role in the voting as masses of people surrounded each entrant to get to know each better and throw questions at them throughout the events. -
The Teapot Dome Scandal
The Teapot Dome scandal was a bribery incident during the administration of President Warren G. Harding. This was important because it showed how corrupt our countries government could be. -
1st Winter Olympics Held
This is the first Winter Olympics at Chamonix. People are excited by the ski jump and bobsled and 12 other events involving a total of six sports. This is important because it opens up more time for the world to come together and have friendly competition. -
The Great Gatsby published by F. Scott Fitzgerald
The Great Gatsby is a novel that follows characters living in the West Egg on Long Island in the summer of 1922. Its a beautiful portrayal of the Jazz Age, searching critiques of materialism, love and the American Dream, it is considered his finest work. Though the book was well-received when it was published, it was not until the 1950s and '60s after his death, that it achieved the definitive portrait of the "Roaring Twenties," as well as one of the greatest American novels ever written. -
Scopes Monkey Trial
In Dayton, Tennessee, the so-called “Monkey Trial” begins with John Thomas Scopes, a young high school science teacher, accused of teaching evolution in violation of a Tennessee state law. It was a confrontation between religious fundamentalism and rational thought. -
Charles Lindberg completes solo flight across the Atlantic
Charles Lindberg completes solo flight across the Atlantic from New York to Paris. This was important because it was proof that it was possible. He got 10,000 dollars and fame. -
Sacco and Vanzetti arrested for armed robbery and murder
Sacco and Vanzetti were convicted of robbery and murder. Though the arguments brought against them were mostly disproven in court, the fact that the two men were known radicals prejudiced the judge and jury against them. The two were sentenced to death. This was the first time people actually cared about who was bias on the jury; too late though. -
The Jazz Singer debuts
The first feature film originally presented as a talkie. This is the first movie with sound. -
Black Tuesday
This was known for the stock market crash. Billions of dollars were lost, wiping out thousands of investors, and stock tickers ran hours behind because the machinery could not handle the tremendous volume of trading. It was leading factor to the Great Depression. -
St. Valentines Day Massacre
Valentine's Day was one of the bloodiest days in mob history when 7 men were gunned down in Chicago. Al "Scarface" Capone rose to power after a rival gang was in shambles as a result of the killings. The city of Chicago gained a reputation for lawlessness and violence. This was important because it showed how corrupt one city can be.
