Lecture Notes: Chapter 21 - Urban America in the Early 20th Century
Overview
Focus on Urban America and developments in urban environments during the early 20th century.
Period covered: 1900 to 1917, known as the Progressive Era.
Key themes include the Progressive Era, Prohibition Movement, Women's Christian Temperance Union (WCTU), birth control movement, racism, and accommodation.
Learning Objectives
Understand the Progressive Era: A three-decade period focused on reform and progressivism.
Study the Prohibition Movement: Efforts to prohibit alcohol.
Learn about the Woman's Christian Temperance Union (WCTU): The largest women's organization advocating for temperance.
Birth Control Movement: Focus on Margaret Sanger, founder of Planned Parenthood.
Key Topics
The Progressive Era
Study the origins of progressivism and its challenges.
Key focus areas include social control, the women's movement, and black activism.
Muckraking: Investigative journalism exposing social ills; understand its definition and role.
Immigration and Urbanization
Documented by photographer Jacob Riis, highlighting poverty in urban environments.
Immigrants played a significant role in populating urban areas.
Women's Movement and Black Activism
Details on women's suffrage and activism.
Focus on black activism, including Booker T. Washington and the Niagara Movement.
Birth Control and Margaret Sanger
Margaret Sanger coined the term "birth control"; key figure in the movement.
Importance of understanding her activism and role in women's rights.
Racism and Accommodation
Connection to minstrel shows and lynching.
Examination of systemic racism, criminality against formerly enslaved people, and societal perceptions of race.
Movements against racism: NAACP (oldest civil rights organization), Booker T. Washington, and others.
Important Figures and Organizations
Margaret Sanger: Founder of Planned Parenthood.
Booker T. Washington: Key figure against racism.
NAACP: National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.
WCTU: Woman's Christian Temperance Union.
Assignments and Exam Preparation
Pay close attention to the material related to the test coming up in October.
Specific assignment on Margaret Sanger.
Ensure understanding of the impact of immigration, urbanization, and reforms during the Progressive Era.
Final Notes
Chapter 21 offers insight into early 20th-century urban life, reforms, and societal issues.
Review presentation assignments related to this chapter for a deeper understanding.
Make sure to read through all sections carefully to grasp the complexities of the era.