Crisis of identity, 1920–1945 (A-level only) study guide

Study Guide: Crisis of Identity in the USA, 1920–1945

Key Areas of Focus

1. Domestic Politics

• Harding, Coolidge, and Republican Conservatism: Understand the policies and ideologies of these presidents and how they shaped the political landscape.
• Hoover and the Depression: Analyze Hoover's response to the economic crisis and the criticisms he faced.

2. The New Deal

• FDR's Approach: Examine the various New Deal programs and their impact on American society and the economy.
• Conflict of Ideas: Discuss the differing opinions on the role of government in economic recovery.

3. Economic Changes

• Boom to Bust: Trace the economic trends of the 1920s leading to the Great Depression.
• Recovery Efforts: Evaluate the effectiveness of the New Deals and the role of World War II in economic recovery.

4. Social and Cultural Developments

• The Jazz Age: Explore the cultural shifts and the emergence of new social values.
• Women’s Roles: Assess how the period influenced women's rights and societal expectations.
• Prohibition: Discuss the implications of Prohibition and its eventual failure.

5. Social Divisions

• Regional Differences: Investigate the contrasts between urban and rural America and the divisions among different regions.
• Racial Tensions: Analyze the rise of the Ku Klux Klan and its impact on African-American communities.

6. International Relations

• Isolationism vs. Engagement: Understand the U.S. stance on international affairs before and during World War II.