Harlem Renaissance DBQ

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As America saw an end to World war 1 and entered the 1920s, the country was faced with rapid changes in American society. These changes challenged the old traditional American values and introduced tension between modernists and traditionalist. Tension grew in churches and schools after new scientific discoveries were being made which supported the idea of evolution, rather than the bible. American society saw dramatic changes in it’s old, familiar culture as the Harlem Renaissance emerged and women gained more rights, which began taking affect on the customary American lifestyle. After World War 1, science became the main contributing factor to the controversy over religion during the 1920s. New scientific discoveries were being made …show more content…

The Harlem Renaissance was an awakening of African American culture which began to spread and influence society in areas including music, art and poetry. The moment gained popularity and for the first time, African American culture was being celebrated in American society, which led to the concept of the “New Negro”. (Doc. 2 Harlem Renaissance) Jazz music and Louis Armstrong, a famous African American jazz artist, began gaining popularity across the United states and became a big part of the American culture (Doc 3. Lois Armstrong’s Trumpet).The Harlem Renaissance was also remembered for bringing powerful poetry to literacy, including the great work of Langston Hughes (Doc 4. Langston Hughes).While America gained many great cultural advances, the Harlem Renaissance formulated some tension. Not everyone agreed with the new and improved image which African Americans were claiming and they wanted things to stay conventional. There was debate between those who wanted to keep things traditional and those who encouraged change within …show more content…

After the 19th amendment was passed, giving women the right to vote, woman began leaving behind their traditional roles and taking on new responsibilities, fashion trends and claiming their independence.(Doc 5.The New Woman). The younger generation of ladies in the 1920s surfaced into what is know as a flapper. Flappers listened to jazz music, embraced risqué fashion trends, and took part in bold behavior, which challenged their stereotype and led to more tension. The need breed of woman wanted to be accepted by the older generation, who often judged and disagreed with their new lifestyle. (doc 6. Flappers Appeal to Parents) Clara Bow, a successful film star of her time and hard-partying flapper, was the first to earn the title of an “It Girl” and was also remembered for her humble and hardworking demeanor.(Doc 7. Clara Bow) Another notable female figure during the twenties was Aimee Semple McPherson, who influenced society in a much different way than Clara Bow. Aimee S. McPherson, or Sister Aimee, established an evangelistic ministry and founded the Foursquare Church. She preached the gospel across the globe and healed thousands with her prayers (Doc 8. Aimee S. McPherson).While both very contrasting characters, Clara Bow and sister Aimee opposed the stereotype of female roles which contributed to more personal freedom and opportunities for woman. However,