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Introduction of the automobile to America
In 1901, the automobile became more affordable to the common man when Ransom Olds came out with a new, less expensive model, otherwise known as the Oldsmobile. Cars became even more affordable to America when Henry Ford introduced the Model T (sold for $850) in 1908. In the beginning of the decade, only rich families could afford automobiles. -
Modern Convenience: Washing Machine
On this date, the first electrically-powered washing machine was released onto the market. This tool drastically decreased the amount of time women had to spend doing laundry. -
Immigration Opposition
Although the two acts passed to limit immigration did not apply to Mexico, strong discrimination was against Mexicans in the Americas. -
Mechanization of Labor
Henry Ford revolutionized the concept of mass production. This gave way for a new level of industrialized and mechanized companies. -
Leo Frank: Lynched
Leo Frank was a Jewish man who was hanged by the Klu Klux Klan to expand their influence and spread the word that they were "alive and well". -
Henry Ford Begins Assembly Line
Although his business started in June of 1903, it really began to flourish at this time. Ford had near perfected his version of an assembly line manufacturing style. He was able to have his workers assemble a full Model T in only 90 minutes. This dramatically dropped the price per automobile, and made it easier to fill demands, making Ford's profits rise considerably. -
Why the Red Scare Started (Reason 1)
The Bolsheviks were rebelling against their government, so their government was pushing socialism and communism onto our people - no Americans would have it. This urged on the Red Scare because it made Americans afraid of what could have happened. -
The Start of Prohibition
Technically, the ban of alcohol, also known as Prohibition, began on this day when the enactment of the 18th Amendment came into play. The manufacture, distribution, and consumption of alcohol anywhere in the United States. -
What Started the Red Scare (Reason 2)
Suspected anarchists planted bombs in letters and mailed them to a post office, where they detonated. They were supposed to be sent to senators and other important political figures. -
African Americans' Role
African Americans migrated towards the North, because their chance for decent jobs was better. Even though the North wasn't completely clear of discrimination, there was definitely less of it than in the South. This gave African Americans power in business and the power to grow as a people. -
The Enactment of the Volstead Act
This act was passed to enforce the 18th Amendment. It stated that Americans could not manufacture, sell, or transport any liquors with alcohol content of above .05 percent (otherwise dubbed "intoxicating liquors"). This infuriated "wets", the opponents of Prohibition, because the purchase of alcohol was officially illegal. "Drys" were overjoyed because it seemed that they were getting their way. -
The Palmer Raids
These raids were strong riots and hate towards immigrants, foreigners, and radicals (people who fought what was normal, usually for the betterment of a cause). Raids like these were very dangerous. These raids lasted until June of 1920. -
African Americans' Role
The Harlem Renaissance was a very critical rebirth for the African American people. Their music and literature became more well known, and books written during that time recognized the hardships that they faced, bringing attention of the Progressives for African American Rights. -
Women's Role Changes
Congress established the Women's Bureau and Department of Labor so that they could gather information about women in the workplace - they wanted to make things more equal if they possibly could. -
Mechanization of Labor
More and more rural farmers began to obtain gasoline-powered tractors, therefore making work easier and more efficient. -
Women's Role Changes
Women gained suffrage through the 19th Amendment. -
Modern Convenience: Radio
Radio was the next best thing, since people at that time didn't have television! The first broadcast was made on this date. -
Immigration Opposition
The Emergency Quota Act of 1921 was formed so that Americans could regulate how many immigrants came into the US so the population was not overrun by them. The National Origins Act backed this Act. -
The National Origins Act
The National Origins Act stated that the number of immigrants that entered the Americas yearly could not surpass but two percent of the amount of people already living in the US with that nationality. It was a discriminatory measure taken against immigrants to limit the amount of people coming in. -
Klu Klux Klan Kidnaps and Kills
A prominent member of the KKK, "Grand Dragon" David Stephenson, kidnapped and then killed a woman named Madge Oberholtzer. Crimes like this were constantly done by the Klan. -
Modern Convenience: 1st Form of Television Invented!
On this date, the first form of television was invented by a Scottish man named John Baird. -
The End of Prohibition
The nation was divided because of Prohibition, aside from the fact that the 18th Amendment and Volstead Act weren't keeping anyone from drinking alcohol. "Wets" smuggled it, and made it themselves. To keep Americans from drinking was too broad a field for the federal government to keep a handle on; there was too much to watch over. The 21st Amendment was finally passed, and repealed the ban of alcohol.
