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.
To find information on how eugenics reinforced nativist ideals, you can start by researching the historical context of the eugenics movement. Look for scholarly articles, books, or reputable websites that provide insights into eugenics and its impact on society. Additionally, explore the nativist ideals prevalent during the same time period and consider how eugenics aligned with those beliefs.
When researching the political, social, and economic contributions of women in the 1920s, you can begin by examining primary and secondary sources from the era. Look for publications, speeches, or personal accounts that highlight the achievements and endeavors of women during that time. Analyzing the cultural shifts and societal changes happening in the 1920s will also help in understanding the context in which women made their contributions. Historical books, scholarly articles, and digital archives can be valuable resources for this research. Additionally, you can explore the history of women's suffrage and the feminist movement to gain further insight into the political and social climate of the era.