1) How did eugenics reinforce nativist ideals?
A: Eugenics fueled the nativists' argument for the superiority of the "original" American stock--white Protestants of northern European descent.
2) What political, social, and economic contributions did women make to American society in the 1920s?
A: Fashion took on a modern look during the 1920s, as women "bobbed" or short-ended, their hair and wore flesh-colored silk stockings. In this new culture, the carefree, chic "flapper" played a prominent role. Through hardly typical of American women at the time, the flapper--a young, dramatic, stylish, and unconventional woman--personified women's changing behavior in the 1920s. The flapper smoked cigarettes, drank prohibited liquor, and dressed in attire too revealing by previous generations. While flappers pursued social freedoms, other women sought financial independence by entering the workforce, many of them as salesclerks, secretaries, or telephone operators. There were a few women who made contributions in science, medicine, law, or literature. In science, Florence Sabin's medical research led to a dramatic drop in death rates from tuberculosis. In literature, Edith Wharton received the Pulitzer Prize for her novel "The Age of Innocence." Public health nurse Margaret Sanger, believing that the standard of living could be improved if families limited the number of children they had, founded the American Birth Control League in 1921. This organization became Planned Parenthood in the 1940s. In 1928 Margaret Mead, one of the first female anthropologists, published the highly regarded study, "Coming of Age in Samoa," which described life in a Pacific island culture.
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To find out how eugenics reinforced nativist ideals, one can start by researching the concept of eugenics and its goals. Eugenics was a movement that gained popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly in the United States. It aimed to improve the genetic quality of the human population by promoting selective breeding and sterilization of individuals deemed "unfit."
In the context of nativist ideals, eugenics reinforced the belief in the superiority of certain groups of people, particularly those of white Protestant northern European descent. Nativism is a political ideology that favors the interests of established inhabitants over those of immigrants. Nativists often sought to preserve the dominant culture and maintain power within their own group.
Eugenics provided a pseudo-scientific justification for nativists. By arguing for the improvement of the gene pool by restricting the immigration and reproduction of certain groups considered "undesirable," eugenicists supported the nativists' goal of preserving the perceived superiority of the original American stock. This idea was commonly linked to the fear of "racial degeneration" and the desire to maintain white dominance in society.
To understand the political, social, and economic contributions of women to American society in the 1920s, one can examine primary and secondary sources from the time period. These can include books, articles, photographs, and other historical records that provide insights into the experiences and achievements of women during that era.
Start by researching the women's suffrage movement, which successfully fought for women's right to vote with the passage of the 19th Amendment in 1920. This political achievement marked a significant step forward for women's rights and involvement in the political sphere.
Next, look into the cultural changes and advancements made by women during the 1920s. The "flapper" image became iconic during this time, representing a new type of woman who challenged traditional gender norms through her fashion choices and behavior. Flappers were known for their bobbed hair, shorter skirts, and rebellious attitudes. They reflected a growing desire for freedom and independence among many women.
Additionally, research the various fields where women made contributions during the 1920s. For example, in science and medicine, Florence Sabin made significant advancements in medical research. In literature, Edith Wharton received recognition for her writing. Margaret Sanger played a key role in advocating for birth control and founded the American Birth Control League, which later became Planned Parenthood. Margaret Mead, an anthropologist, published influential studies on cultural anthropology, including her famous work "Coming of Age in Samoa."
By examining these sources and learning about the achievements and contributions of women in politics, culture, and various industries during the 1920s, one can gain a comprehensive understanding of the political, social, and economic impact women had on American society during that time.