The History of the Twentieth Century

Prohibition came as something of a surprise, and there was widespread flouting of the law. A new drinking culture emerged, and criminal gangs made more money, and became more violent, than ever.

By the Revolutionary era, male British colonists in North America were among the heaviest drinkers the world had ever seen. 150 years later, alcoholic beverages were banned in the US and Canada.

Hardly anyone knew anything about Calvin Coolidge when he became President, yet he managed to run an Administration that accomplished much and remained popular.

Dive into the Teapot Dome scandal, the biggest corruption scandal in US history, which led to the first conviction of a cabinet secretary. Discover the ethical dilemmas surrounding government oil leases and the investigations that eroded public trust. Explore the intertwining of political and sports corruption, drawing parallels with the infamous Black Sox scandal. Uncover the scandalous legacy of President Warren Harding and the tumultuous aftermath for key figures like Albert Fall. Finally, delve into the mysterious tragedies surrounding the Doheny family, revealing personal tales linked to larger historical themes.

By 1923, evidence was mounting of scandal within the Harding Administration. The President did not acknowledge this publicly, but privately he agonized about it. It may have been a factor in his death in August.

Dive into the world of jazz, where music transcends boundaries and connects cultures. Explore the rise of Italian American musicians in a racially charged America, highlighting Nick LaRocca's journey in the Original Dixieland Jazz Band. Discover how jazz exploded in popularity post-World War I, driven by innovations like the phonograph. Uncover George Gershwin's genius as he blends classical and popular music, contributing to the evolution of jazz. Experience the dynamic transformation of music and its cultural significance in the 20th century.

Jazz has its roots in a number of other musical forms: band music, spirituals, blues, and ragtime.

After years of warlord infighting, some of the major factions were exhausted, while striking workers agitated for reform. It was time for the United Front to make its move, but the untimely death of Sun Yat-sen complicated the picture.

Warren Harding was very much a hands-off kind of leader. This worked well when he appointed capable cabinet secretaries, especially Secretary of State Charles Evans Hughes. Meanwhile, America experiences the Tulsa Massacre, the worst single episode of racial violence in its history.

Gandhi returned to India during the Great War, but needed some time to reacquaint himself with the country after being away for so long. The British promise more self-rule, but the ruthless killing of hundreds of peaceful, unarmed civilians in Amritsar is for many Indians the last straw.