Other
African American Registry: The Cakewalk, a Black Expression Through Dance
This resource presents an article on the Cakewalk, a popular dance in the early 1900s that originated with black slaves impersonating their masters.
Other
Unstrung History of American Guitar: The Guitar and the Birth of American Music
The guitar in America began as an instrument used in popular music in the city and then branched out to minstrel shows, ragtime, and even jazz. Read about the history of this ubiquitous instrument and how it took on its American character.
OpenStax
Open Stax: The Great Depression 1929 1932: The Depths of the Great Depression
Examines the challenges faced by the average American, by African Americans, and by farmers on the Great Plains during the Great Depression, and the government's response or lack thereof.
OpenStax
Open Stax: The Jazz Age: Redefining the Nation 1919 1929: A New Generation
Looks at the new morality that emerged in the 1920s. It changed the role of women and the perception of African Americans, the latter facilitated by the Harlem Renaissance and its impact on the music and dance of the Jazz Age. Also...
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: The End of the American Century
A quick look at America in the 20th century and a peek at the challenges of the 21st century.
Curated OER
Contagion: The Spread of Eugenics Throughout American Popular Culture in the 20s
A very complete look at the theory of eugenics, the pseudo-scientific idea that fed into the nativists' search for the "superior" American. This article explains how companies used this theory to sell their products.
Curated OER
Contagion: The Spread of Eugenics Throughout American Popular Culture in the 20s
A very complete look at the theory of eugenics, the pseudo-scientific idea that fed into the nativists' search for the "superior" American. This article explains how companies used this theory to sell their products.
Curated OER
Contagion: The Spread of Eugenics Throughout American Popular Culture in the 20s
A very complete look at the theory of eugenics, the pseudo-scientific idea that fed into the nativists' search for the "superior" American. This article explains how companies used this theory to sell their products.
Curated OER
Contagion: The Spread of Eugenics Throughout American Popular Culture in the 20s
A very complete look at the theory of eugenics, the pseudo-scientific idea that fed into the nativists' search for the "superior" American. This article explains how companies used this theory to sell their products.
Curated OER
Contagion: The Spread of Eugenics Throughout American Popular Culture in the 20s
A very complete look at the theory of eugenics, the pseudo-scientific idea that fed into the nativists' search for the "superior" American. This article explains how companies used this theory to sell their products.
Curated OER
Contagion: The Spread of Eugenics Throughout American Popular Culture in the 20s
A very complete look at the theory of eugenics, the pseudo-scientific idea that fed into the nativists' search for the "superior" American. This article explains how companies used this theory to sell their products.
Curated OER
Contagion: The Spread of Eugenics Throughout American Popular Culture in the 20s
A very complete look at the theory of eugenics, the pseudo-scientific idea that fed into the nativists' search for the "superior" American. This article explains how companies used this theory to sell their products.
Curated OER
Contagion: The Spread of Eugenics Throughout American Popular Culture in the 20s
A very complete look at the theory of eugenics, the pseudo-scientific idea that fed into the nativists' search for the "superior" American. This article explains how companies used this theory to sell their products.
Curated OER
Contagion: The Spread of Eugenics Throughout American Popular Culture in the 20s
A very complete look at the theory of eugenics, the pseudo-scientific idea that fed into the nativists' search for the "superior" American. This article explains how companies used this theory to sell their products.
ReadWriteThink
Read Write Think: Examining Transcendentalism
Interactive lesson plan that allows students to view the works and ideas of Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau through the popular culture of their time. Students use multiple genres to grasp the concepts of Transcendentalism,...
Library of Congress
Loc: Music for the Nation: Music Published, America, 1870 1885
A wonderful collection of sheet music from the Library of Congress. Search this site to find the primary source documents of music published in America from 1870 through 1885. The site is separated into many different topics with an...
Library of Congress
Loc: Performing Arts Encyclopedia: Take Me Out to the Ball Game
Did you know that the song "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" is over one hundred years old? Find out why this song has enjoyed lasting popularity. Includes an image of the artwork for the sheet music of this song.
Khan Academy
Khan Academy: Pop Art in the Uk
While American artists were primarily inspired by what they saw and experienced within their own culture, early Pop art in Britain was fueled by American popular culture viewed from a distance. Learn more about Pop art in the UK here.
Smithsonian Institution
National Postal Museum: Art of the Stamp
This website chronicles the stamp designs of the past. There are images from the Arts, Stamps with a Story, Athletics, American History, The American Scene, American Legends, Love, Flora and Fauna, Norman Rockwell, Science and Technology...
Other
The Sam Shepard Website
Shepard website put together by Bucknell University professor. Provides valuable links to Shepard & pop culture, music, biographies, films & published works.
Other
Marshall Taylor: Newspaper Articles
Watching bicycle racing indoors was a popular pasttime during the Gilded Age. Marshall Taylor, an African American, was one of the premier racers not only in the United States, but in the world. Read newspaper articles about his career.
Khan Academy
Khan Academy: Women in the 1950s
Looks at what life was like for women in 1950s America. Examines the tension between the expectations of conformity and domesticity and an emerging discontent as many women chose to continue working after World War II. Meanwhile, African...
Other
Sfsu: Origins of Mass Entertainment in the Gilded Age
An introduction from the San Francisco State University of the various forms of mass entertainment that emerged during the Gilded Age. Follow the hyperlinks for in-depth discussion of the aspects of culture during this period in American...
African American Literature Book Club
African American Literature Book Club: Mirandy and Brother Wind by Mc Kissack
Mirandy and Brother Wind by Patricia C. McKissack is a Caldecott Honor Book, based on the cakewalk, a once popular dance in the African-American culture. This site contains a review of the book.