Making America Modern: The Economy and Society of the Roaring Twenties

This set of four lectures examines a formative decade in American history – where so much of what we associate with our modern world began to take shape. Here we will explore the expanding role of technology, consumer culture, popular culture, changing gender relations, racism and urbanization – all during a time where prohibition and bootlegging remade America’s moral and criminal landscape. We will examine key cultural icons of the era such as Al Capone, Jack Dempsey, Clara Bow, Babe Ruth and Charles Lindbergh among others.