Everything you need to know about 1920s America before you begin reading The Great Gatsby!

Introduction

The Great Gatsby is set during a very unique time in America.  As you can see from some of the images on this page, the clothing, lifestyle, music, rise in organized crime etc. were all influencing factors on F. Scott Fitzgerald (author of the novel).  The purpose of this web-quest is for you to understand the social and historical context of the roaring twenties so you can read The Great Gatsby with deeper meaning.

Task

You task is to gain a solid understanding of the 1920s as well as some important background information to the novel.  As you read, watch videos etc. you are to take guided notes on the outline provided to you by Mrs. Harrison!  Take your time, be accurate and enjoy!

Process

1.  F. Scott Fitzgerald #author 

Up first, the author!  F. Scott Fitzgerald.  As you watch this brief video - take notes on the outline provided.

[video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PL05VV040Ls]

2.  The 18th Amendment

Next, this amendment had a significant impact on American culture that is very significant within The Great Gatsby. Consider the two links below and answer the questions in your guided note.

http://history1900s.about.com/od/1910s/a/18thamendment.htm

http://classroom.synonym.com/effect-caused-eighteenth-amendment-us-cons…

3.  The 19th Amendment

As you watch this throw back to School House Rock - make sure you know what the 19th Amendment was as it impacted the role of women in America dramatically.

[video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwjlnvKbeQA]

4.  Speakeasy

Quickly scan this article to find out what a speakeasy was and some code words used for the now illegal sale of alcohol.

http://theroaringtwentieshistory.blogspot.ca/2010/06/prohibition-and-sp…

5.  The Flapper

As you watch this video consider how changes to hair, clothing and attitude reflect the new found freedome found in the 19th Amendment

[video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lFRG_B--1v8]

6.  Organized Crime #mafia #omerata

Watch the video and scan the article to answer the questions on your Webquest handout.

http://www.history.com/topics/mafia-in-the-united-states

7.  1920s lingo/slang - read through the list and use two of the words in a sentence with whoever is sitting beside you!

http://local.aaca.org/bntc/slang/slang.htm

Evaluation

Based on all the information you have been reading, watching and taking notes on - it is time to make a PREDICTION!

What type of characters do you think you will find in The Great Gatsby?

What illegal activities do you think will happen in the novel?

Where will the novel take place geographically?

Write your predictions on the whiteboard at the front of the class!

Conclusion

I hope you feel as confident as a flapper fron the 1920s - it is time to start reading The Great Gatsby!  Come to the front to get your novel!

Credits