History Answer Note #12

Question 1 Reasons why in the 1920s , during the popularity of radio and movies you should be aware based on information from the article below Along with sports industry, the entertainment industry took advantage of Americans' increased leisure time and income during the 1920s. Radios became more affordable, and quickly became a staple in working-class and middle-class homes alike. Movies became a new craze, as people escaped the postwar recession and then celebrated postwar prosperity with indulgence in entertainment. Though radios were invented much earlier, cheaper prices and increased consumerism led to a huge surge in radio popularity and innovative radio broadcasting in the 1920s. The first licensed radio station was KDKA in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, which broadcast the 1920 presidential election results. More and more stations were established, and as stations used studio cloths to muffle background noise and improve the quality of their sound, radio coverage gained popularity. At the end of 1922, three million Americans owned radios and could listen to 508 stations. By 1929 the National Broadcasting Company (NBC) was making $150 million a year. Radio programming brought dramatic changes to ordinary people's lives. Live broadcasts instantly connected Americans with nationwide events, including orchestra performances, soloist concerts, sports events, and politicians' speeches. Comedies like "Amos and Andy" and dramatic series like "The Shadow," featuring the deep-voiced Orson Welles, became a part of the lives of millions. In particular, churchgoers appreciated the flexibility radio afforded their lifestyles and religious practices. In 1922, for example, one modern preacher broadcast his Easter Sunday sermon from an airplane, enabling golfers to hear his message while they played. Unified by radio transmission, Americans together enjoyed the drama of news and the pleasure of cultural trends. Like radio broadcasting, the motion picture film industry's growth during the 1920s revolutionized American entertainment. Earlier film successes were profitable-The Birth of a Nation made $18 million in 1915-but producers limited actors' success by keeping them anonymous and modestly paid. Critics also warned that films would decrease church attendance and increase materialism, immorality, and marital tensions. However, American moviegoers, eager to escape the postwar recession, flocked to theaters in the early twenties to drink in the melodramatic love and fight scenes offered by romance films and Westerns. Films created fantasies that the "poorest Cinderella" could become rich and glamorous like onscreen stars. The movie industry also created thousands of jobs, attracting politicians' support. Advertisements also enticed the public by glorifying sex in movies, promising "champagne baths...petting parties in the purple dawn, all ending in one terrific smashing climax that makes you gasp." In the face of increasing demand, small production companies soon combined to form giant industries that produced hundreds of films, making movies rival sports, music, and reading as the top-grossing forms of American entertainment. By 1922 almost every community in America had at least a 100-seat movie theater for a total 40 million weekly moviegoers. Both middle-class and working-class Americans sought leisure in these theaters for 10¢ to 75¢ per picture. Movie theater "palaces" in larger U.S. cities such as San Francisco and New York boasted opulent interiors including red carpet, gilded ceilings, crystal chandeliers, and Renaissance statues to welcome up to 5,000 wealthier moviegoers. By 1929 movies, theater, and spectator sports brought in 21 percent of the nation's total $4.3 billion in amusement revenues. Mesmerized by theater magic, many Americans worshipped movie stars and modeled their personal lives after onscreen heroes. Rudolph Valentino, an Italian actor who played an Arab "sheik" who stole women into his tent, was emulated by male fans, who grew slick sideburns and pouted like "Latin lovers." When Valentino died suddenly at age 31, mourners lined up over one mile to pass by his coffin, and some women even committed suicide. Composers wrote songs honoring Valentino's machismo: "I'm the sheik of Araby, your love belongs to me. At night when you're asleep, into your tent I'll creep." When "America's sweetheart" actress Mary Pickford married actor Douglas Fairbanks in 1920, fans followed the wedding as if it were part of their own personal lives. Clara Bow, "The Hottest Jazz Baby in Films," bared her legs onscreen and induced heartache in her real-life lovers, and comedian Charlie Chaplin made America both laugh and cry. Lillian Gish, a supremely talented character actress, drew huge audiences when she convincingly played a 15-yearold girl in the film Broken Blossoms. Her salary matched her acclaim at $400,000 per year. On October 6, 1927, movies became even more lifelike with the film "The Jazz Singer," the first movie with sound. Called "talkies," speaking movies made Warner Brothers' producers instantly successful for its Vitaphone wax recording device, and ushered in a new era of more realistic acting. "The Jazz Singer" grossed over $2 million and paved the way for an era of new movie stars. Answer "Reasons for the Popularity of Radio and Movies in the 1920s: An Analysis Based on Current Information" Introduction: During the 1920s, the American entertainment industry experienced a period of unprecedented growth, with the rise of radio and movies as the top-grossing forms of entertainment. This was a result of increased leisure time and spending power among Americans. In this essay, we will delve further into the reasons behind the popularity of radio and movies during this time, based on information from the article below. Increased Affordability: One of the main reasons for the popularity of radio and movies in the 1920s was their increased affordability. With the post-war recession and then the subsequent period of prosperity, more and more people were able to afford these forms of entertainment. The prices of radios became more affordable thanks to the surge in consumerism, resulting in their widespread ownership among both working-class and middle-class Americans. Similarly, with the low cost of movie tickets (ranging from 10¢ to 75¢), more people were able to indulge in the escapism offered by the cinema. Innovative Broadcasting: The 1920s also saw a significant increase in the quality and variety of radio broadcasting. The first licensed radio station, KDKA in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, broadcasted the 1920 presidential election results, bringing instantaneous nationwide coverage of current events into the homes of Americans. As more and more stations were established, advancements in technology, such as the use of studio cloths to improve sound quality, further enhanced the popularity of radio. Escapism and Fantasy: In a time of economic and social uncertainty, radio and movies offered a form of escapism and fantasy that appealed to the American public. The melodramatic love and fight scenes in romance films and westerns provided a distraction from the post-war recession, while also fueling the desire for wealth and glamour among the masses. This was further amplified by the success and fame of movie stars like Rudolph Valentino, whose onscreen personas were often emulated by adoring fans. Unification and Community: Radio and movies also brought Americans together as a community. With the advent of live broadcasting, ordinary people were able to tune in to nationwide events such as orchestra performances, sports events, and political speeches, creating a sense of unity and connection. In addition, radio allowed for greater flexibility in religious practices, as demonstrated by a modern preacher who broadcasted his Easter Sunday sermon from an airplane in 1922, enabling golfers to listen in while playing. Job Creation: The growth of the entertainment industry also resulted in the creation of thousands of jobs, which garnered support from politicians. This booming industry not only provided employment opportunities but also contributed significantly to the nation's economy. By 1929, the National Broadcasting Company (NBC) was making $150 million a year, and the entertainment industry as a whole accounted for 21% of the nation's $4.3 billion in amusement revenues. Conclusion: In conclusion, the popularity of radio and movies in the 1920s can be attributed to their increased affordability, innovative broadcasting, escapism and fantasy, unification and community, and job creation. These forms of entertainment not only reflected the changing societal values of the time but also played a significant role in shaping them. Today, radio and movies continue to be essential elements of mass media and remain as popular forms of entertainment among people of all ages and backgrounds. Question 2 Reasons why in the 1920s , during the popularity of radio and movies what were things you should be aware of and watch out for based on information from the article below Along with sports industry, the entertainment industry took advantage of Americans' increased leisure time and income during the 1920s. Radios became more affordable, and quickly became a staple in working-class and middle-class homes alike. Movies became a new craze, as people escaped the postwar recession and then celebrated postwar prosperity with indulgence in entertainment. Though radios were invented much earlier, cheaper prices and increased consumerism led to a huge surge in radio popularity and innovative radio broadcasting in the 1920s. The first licensed radio station was KDKA in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, which broadcast the 1920 presidential election results. More and more stations were established, and as stations used studio cloths to muffle background noise and improve the quality of their sound, radio coverage gained popularity. At the end of 1922, three million Americans owned radios and could listen to 508 stations. By 1929 the National Broadcasting Company (NBC) was making $150 million a year. Radio programming brought dramatic changes to ordinary people's lives. Live broadcasts instantly connected Americans with nationwide events, including orchestra performances, soloist concerts, sports events, and politicians' speeches. Comedies like "Amos and Andy" and dramatic series like "The Shadow," featuring the deep-voiced Orson Welles, became a part of the lives of millions. In particular, churchgoers appreciated the flexibility radio afforded their lifestyles and religious practices. In 1922, for example, one modern preacher broadcast his Easter Sunday sermon from an airplane, enabling golfers to hear his message while they played. Unified by radio transmission, Americans together enjoyed the drama of news and the pleasure of cultural trends. Like radio broadcasting, the motion picture film industry's growth during the 1920s revolutionized American entertainment. Earlier film successes were profitableThe Birth of a Nation made $18 million in 1915-but producers limited actors' success by keeping them anonymous and modestly paid. Critics also warned that films would decrease church attendance and increase materialism, immorality, and marital tensions. However, American moviegoers, eager to escape the postwar recession, flocked to theaters in the early twenties to drink in the melodramatic love and fight scenes offered by romance films and Westerns. Films created fantasies that the "poorest Cinderella" could become rich and glamorous like onscreen stars. The movie industry also created thousands of jobs, attracting politicians' support. Advertisements also enticed the public by glorifying sex in movies, promising "champagne baths...petting parties in the purple dawn, all ending in one terrific smashing climax that makes you gasp." In the face of increasing demand, small production companies soon combined to form giant industries that produced hundreds of films, making movies rival sports, music, and reading as the top-grossing forms of American entertainment. By 1922 almost every community in America had at least a 100-seat movie theater for a total 40 million weekly moviegoers. Both middle-class and working-class Americans sought leisure in these theaters for 10¢ to 75¢ per picture. Movie theater "palaces" in larger U.S. cities such as San Francisco and New York boasted opulent interiors including red carpet, gilded ceilings, crystal chandeliers, and Renaissance statues to welcome up to 5,000 wealthier moviegoers. By 1929 movies, theater, and spectator sports brought in 21 percent of the nation's total $4.3 billion in amusement revenues. Mesmerized by theater magic, many Americans worshipped movie stars and modeled their personal lives after onscreen heroes. Rudolph Valentino, an Italian actor who played an Arab "sheik" who stole women into his tent, was emulated by male fans, who grew slick sideburns and pouted like "Latin lovers." When Valentino died suddenly at age 31, mourners lined up over one mile to pass by his coffin, and some women even committed suicide. Composers wrote songs honoring Valentino's machismo: "I'm the sheik of Araby, your love belongs to me. At night when you're asleep, into your tent I'll creep." When "America's sweetheart" actress Mary Pickford married actor Douglas Fairbanks in 1920, fans followed the wedding as if it were part of their own personal lives. Clara Bow, "The Hottest Jazz Baby in Films," bared her legs onscreen and induced heartache in her real-life lovers, and comedian Charlie Chaplin made America both laugh and cry. Lillian Gish, a supremely talented character actress, drew huge audiences when she convincingly played a 15-year-old girl in the film Broken Blossoms. Her salary matched her acclaim at $400,000 per year. On October 6, 1927, movies became even more lifelike with the film "The Jazz Singer," the first movie with sound. Called "talkies," speaking movies made Warner Brothers' producers instantly successful for its Vitaphone wax recording device, and ushered in a new era of more realistic acting. "The Jazz Singer" grossed over $2 million and paved the way for an era of new movie stars. Answer During the 1920s, the United States experienced a significant growth in leisure time and income, leading to an increase in the popularity of radio and movies. While these forms of entertainment provided a means of escape from the post-war recession and subsequent prosperity, there were certain things to be aware of and watch out for. The first thing to be aware of is the impact of consumerism on the rise of radio. With the invention of cheaper radios and an increase in consumerism, radio quickly became a staple in working-class and middle-class homes. This led to a surge in radio popularity and innovative radio broadcasting. However, with the rise of consumerism came the potential for media manipulation and misleading information. It is essential to critically analyze the content being broadcast and not believe everything that is heard. Another aspect to be aware of is the influence of advertisements on the entertainment industry. Advertisements for radio and movies often emphasized sex and indulgence, promoting a consumerist and materialistic lifestyle. This created a clash with traditional values and beliefs, leading to criticism from some individuals. It is crucial to be mindful of the messages being portrayed in advertisements and to think critically about their potential impact. Furthermore, the rapid growth of the entertainment industry in the 1920s also had societal implications. The popularity of radio and movies created a sense of community and togetherness among Americans as they could now listen to national events and enjoy cultural trends together. However, this also led to a homogenization of society, with everyone consuming the same media and having similar experiences. It is crucial to be aware of the potential consequences of this homogenization and to continue to embrace individuality and diversity. Question 3 How did religion transform societies in the Mediterranean world between 300 and 1500? Prepare a response to this question. Include in your response text and images. Include references to Europe, Asia, and North Africa. Answer Religion has played a significant role in shaping societies in the Mediterranean world between 300 and 1500. In this time period, Europe, Asia, and North Africa were all influenced by the spread of various religions, namely Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. These religions not only had a significant impact on individuals' spiritual beliefs but also on the political, social, and cultural aspects of these societies. One of the main ways in which religion transformed societies in the Mediterranean world was through its legal and political influence. In Europe, the spread of Christianity played a crucial role in the formation of legal systems and the unification of kingdoms. Christianity was made the official religion of the Roman Empire in 380 AD by Emperor Theodosius, and this led to the incorporation of religious laws and values into the legal systems. The Church also had significant political power, with bishops often serving as advisors to rulers and even influencing political decisions. In fact, the Church's interference in political matters led to the split between the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches in 1054 AD. Similarly, in Asia, the spread of Buddhism influenced the formation of legal and political systems. Buddhism, which originated in India and spread to Asia, promoted principles such as non-violence and equality, which were incorporated into the legal and political systems of countries like China, Japan, and Korea. Buddhism also had a significant impact on the caste system in India, promoting the idea of equality among all individuals regardless of their caste. In North Africa, the spread of Islam had a profound influence on societies. The arrival of Islam in the 7th century led to the spread of Arab culture and the establishment of the Islamic Cordoba Caliphate, which became a center of learning and trade. The spread of Islam resulted in the conversion of many Berbers and other indigenous people in North Africa. This led to the formation of a new society with a strong Islamic identity and culture. Text and images were also instrumental in spreading and solidifying religious beliefs in the Mediterranean world. With the rise of Christianity, the development of the printing press in the 15th century allowed for the mass production of texts, including the Bible, which were distributed throughout Europe. This led to an increase in literacy rates and the spread of Christian beliefs. Similarly, in Asia, Buddhist texts, such as the Tripitaka, were spread through the production of handwritten manuscripts and later, through the development of printing. Religion also had a significant impact on the arts and architecture of the Mediterranean world. In Europe, the spread of Christianity led to the building of magnificent churches such as the Hagia Sophia in Constantinople and the Notre-Dame cathedral in Paris. In North Africa, the Islamic influence is evident in the iconic mosques, such as the Great Mosque of Kairouan in Tunisia. In Asia, the spread of Buddhism led to the construction of numerous temples and pagodas, showcasing the fusion of indigenous and Buddhist styles. In conclusion, religion had a profound impact on societies in the Mediterranean world between 300 and 1500. It influenced political, legal, and social systems and played a vital role in shaping cultural and artistic expressions. The spread of Christianity, Islam, and Buddhism transformed these societies and left a lasting impact that is still evident in the region today. Question 4 Evaluate the impact of robert clive s administration and strategies in bengal following the battle of Plassey on the socio economic and political fabric of the region Answer In the 18th century, the British East India Company, under the leadership of Robert Clive, emerged as a dominant force in the Indian subcontinent. The Battle of Plassey, fought in 1757, marked a turning point in the Company's expansionist policies in Bengal. It was in the aftermath of this battle that Robert Clive's administration and strategies were implemented, ultimately having a significant impact on the socio-economic and political fabric of the region. In this answer, we will delve into the various aspects of this impact and evaluate the consequences of Clive's actions on the Bengal region. One of the most notable impacts of Clive's administration was on the socio-economic structure of Bengal. The East India Company, through its trade monopoly and revenue collection system, amassed immense wealth and power. Clive's policies of land revenue settlements, particularly the 'zamindari' and 'mahalwari' systems, led to the commodification of land and the exploitation of the peasants. This resulted in the impoverishment of the rural population and the consolidation of power in the hands of the British. The Company's monopoly over trade, particularly in goods like cotton, silk, and opium, further strengthened its economic dominance in Bengal. Another impact of Clive's administration was on the political fabric of Bengal. The East India Company's military might, coupled with its control over the economy, allowed it to exercise significant influence in the region's political affairs. Clive's strategies, such as the 'Divide and Rule' policy, enabled the Company to manipulate internal conflicts and gain control over the fragmented political landscape of Bengal. The establishment of the 'Nawabi' puppet regime in Bengal also worked to the Company's advantage, giving them legitimacy in their rule over the region. Furthermore, Clive's administration had a considerable impact on the cultural and social aspects of Bengal. The British sought to impose their culture and values onto the indigenous population, resulting in the gradual erosion of traditional practices and customs. The imposition of English education and the Anglicization of institutions like the judiciary and the bureaucracy contributed to the cultural alienation of the native population. Additionally, the British also exploited the caste system, using it to their advantage to maintain social control and perpetuate inequality. In addition to these direct impacts, Clive's strategies also had significant indirect effects on Bengal's society and economy. The British policies of free trade and the introduction of new agricultural techniques led to the commercialization of agriculture and the shift towards cash crops. This resulted in the displacement of traditional farmers and the consolidation of land ownership in the hands of the British, reducing the economic opportunities for the local population. The growth of commercial agriculture also led to the depletion of natural resources, causing long-term environmental degradation. The consequences of Robert Clive's administration and strategies were not limited to Bengal alone, but it had a ripple effect on the entire Indian subcontinent. The Company's success in Bengal encouraged its further expansion into other regions, leading to increased exploitation and domination in various other parts of the country. The repercussions of these actions can still be seen in the present day, shaping the socioeconomic and political landscape of India. In conclusion, the impact of Robert Clive's administration and strategies in Bengal following the Battle of Plassey was far-reaching and significant. It resulted in the consolidation of British power in the region, leading to long-term consequences in various aspects of Bengal's society and economy. The actions of the East India Company under Clive's leadership not only shaped the history of Bengal but also had a profound impact on the Indian subcontinent as a whole. It is essential for us to critically evaluate these events and understand their implications to gain a better understanding of our country's past. Question 5 Read the quotation from the Declaration of Independence. "For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world." Which reason explains why this grievance was included in the Declaration? The colonists could not acquire goods without illegal smuggling. The colonists were exporting too many goods. The British closed all ports except for Boston. The colonists could export goods only to Britain. Answer This grievance was included in the Declaration of Independence due to the fact that the colonists were facing trade restrictions imposed by the British government. These restrictions greatly impacted the economy of the colonies and hindered their ability to trade with other parts of the world. The colonists could not acquire goods without illegal smuggling, which was a major concern for the British government. As a result, the British imposed strict regulations on trade, making it difficult for the colonists to acquire goods from other countries. This greatly affected the economy of the colonies, as they were heavily reliant on trade for their survival. Additionally, the British closed all ports except for Boston, which further limited the colonists' ability to trade with other parts of the world. This restriction not only affected the economy but also caused geographical isolation for the colonies, as they were cut off from the rest of the world. Furthermore, the colonists could only export goods to Britain, which greatly restricted their trade options and made it difficult for them to earn a profit. This limitation was a result of the British mercantilist policies, which aimed to benefit the British economy at the expense of the colonies. In summary, the inclusion of this grievance in the Declaration of Independence highlights the significant impact of trade restrictions imposed by the British government on the colonists. These restrictions greatly hindered their ability to acquire goods from other countries, limited their trade options, and greatly affected their economy.