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World War 1 is over
The Allies and Germany agree to end The Great War. This officially marked the end of the war that had killed millions of Europeans. The end of the war also began the growing hatred that Germany felt towards America, which would later evolve to start WW2. -
18th amendment passed
On January 23, Congress makes the sale and distribution of alcohol illegal, thus indirectly starting the prohibition issues that followed the coming years. This amendment is what let bootleggers such as Al Capone get into power. In 1933, the amendment was repealed. -
Jazz Music is invented
Originating in New Orleans, the 1920’s marked the beginning of Jazz. Despite being made by and directed towards the African American people, many whites enjoyed jazz too. One of the most influential jazz players was Louis Armstrong, who helped popularize this genre. -
Period: to
1920s
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Warren Harding is elected president
William Harding is elected president by a landslide of votes. Despite being popular, Harding will go down in history as one of the worst presidents. His involvement in the Teapot Dome Scandal will be his Achilles Heel, among other things. -
Calvin Coolidge becomes president
On August 2, President Harding dies of a stroke. His Vice President, Coolidge, is given the role of president. He served two terms. -
Ford
On January 9, Henry Ford’s car company exceeded 1 billion dollars. Thanks to him, many Americans of the 20’s could afford automobiles. Ford’s creations also helped to popularize factory assembly. -
Scopes trial
John Scopes, a Tennessee school teacher, is charged for teaching evolution to his students. The case -
Sacco and Vanzetti excecuted
On August 23, two Italian immigrants were charged guilty of murder despite little evidence existing to prove. Both were electrocuted, and many claimed the trial and excecution were acts of discrimination. To this day, many historians believe that the two were innocent. -
Steamboat willie
On November 18, Disney’s first synchronized sound cartoon was created, introducing Mickey Mouse to the world. Technically speaking, Disney was not the first to invent synchronized sound cartoons. He used Lee DeForest’s sound system, and essentially took the idea as his own. Two years earlier, the Fliescher Studios had created “Talking Cartoons”, but to this day Disney is the one who receives the praise and credit. -
St. Valentines massacre
On December 14, Al Capone’s gang killed six rival gang members. This was arguably one of the bloodiest events of the 20’s. As well as causing a public outrage, this event essentially spoiled the otherwise positive opinions on Al Capone, and the American public began to see him no longer as a Robin Hood, but a greedy businessman.
