U.S. Historical Chronology

The Twenties & Depression:

Last Update: March 4, 2002

Al Capone - Grades 6-12 - The Chicago Museum of History created this site to chronicle the life and career of Chicago's most famous gangster. In addition to the narrative, there are photos and other references to Chicago, the roaring twenties, and the role of the mob in politics during prohibition. Interesting for browsing or student research, this site could also be part of a larger unit on the 1920's.

American Life Histories - Manuscripts from the Federal Writers' Project (1936-40)

1925 - Year in Review - This section of a larger art site features works by international artists who were active in the 1920s. It includes images, descriptions, and links to other background material and information. Useful for students learning about 20th century art or the social and cultural history of the period. Individually published.

Documenting America - Grades 8-12 - This site is based on the Library of Congress collection of thousands of photos taken in the 1930s and early 1940s. They document everyday life during the depression and the years leading up to World War II. Geographic and chronological indexes make this collection an interesting research tool and photo source.

Inventing Entertainment - The Edison Recordings - Grades 6-12 - Much of the content in this Library of Congress site about Thomas Edison and his phonographs is beyond the scope of middle schoolers. However, there are sound recordings from the original machines that let students listen to the product of Edison's work, and the basic biographical information will be useful for those studying inventors. Explore this one in some depth; there's a lot here.

Flapper Culture and Style - Grades 6-12 - This roaring 20s resource concentrates on cultural, fashion, and literary aspects of the decade. There are biographical sketches of "flapper personalities" cultural resources, and links to literary resources for writers such as F. Scott Fitzgerald. An interesting site that approaches the content from a different angle.

The New Deal Network - Information and images about Roosevelt and the New Deal.

The Roaring Twenties - Grades 7-12 - from the University of Louisville. A multiple-topic survey of the decade, including discussion of entertainment, politics and social issues of the day.

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