The Roaring Twenties

Last Friday, April 2, us students of Mr. G's History of the Americas class (HotA) were privy to a test. It was what one might call a Ridiculous Test on the 1920s and constituents therein (Marcus Garvey, the KKK, Flappers, etc.).
I propose that more than a fair share of the questions on the test were opinion-based, and so could not have ever been answered wrongly. For example, with a question like:

"What invention of the 1920s was most responsible for expanding and spreading a U.S. cultural identity?

A) The automobile
B) The toaster
C) The radio
D) None of the above"

What are you supposed to do? The Model T was released in 1908, the "first commercially successful electric toaster" was patented in 1909, and everyone knows Tesla (according to a supreme court case) invented the radio in 1894. Because Tesla was Serbian and a toaster isn't doing much to advertise itself, I submit that the automobile, invented by Henry Ford, one of the most American men ever, was the invention most responsible for expanding and spreading a U.S. cultural identity.

Homework: Watch these films about life in the 1920s.

-- The Untouchables (1987) with Kevin Costner and SEAN CONNERY. About the FBI taking down Al Capone with charges of tax evasion.

-- Inherit the Wind (1960) with Spencer Tracy and Gene Kelly. About the 1925 Scopes "Monkey Trial" and why it's okay to be a "temporary Honorary Colonel" when arguing law against your esteemed colleague (because you're Spencer Tracy and you're awesome like that).

and

-- Call the White House to lodge your complaints and offer your constructive criticism @ (202)-456-1111 or visit them online.

~Curran O'Donoghue