What Happened in 1920
Historical Highlights of 1920
- Warren G. Harding Elected President – Republican Warren G. Harding won the U.S. presidential election in a landslide against Democrat James Cox, campaigning on a promise of a "return to normalcy" after World War I.
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Prohibition Begins – The 18th Amendment went into effect on January 17, 1920, banning the sale, production, and transportation of alcohol in the U.S., leading to the rise of speakeasies and bootlegging.
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The League of Nations is Established – Formed on January 10, 1920, as part of the Treaty of Versailles, the League of Nations was created to promote world peace. Ironically, the U.S. never joined due to opposition in Congress.
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The Mayflower Sets Sail Again – A replica of the historic Mayflower sailed from England to the U.S. to commemorate the 300th anniversary of the Pilgrims' voyage.
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Women Gain the Right to Vote – The 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified on August 18, 1920, granting women the right to vote after decades of activism.
Pop Culture & Fun Facts from 1920
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The Charleston Dance Gains Popularity – This lively and energetic dance started gaining attention, becoming a signature move of the Jazz Age.
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Silent Films Dominate Hollywood – Silent movies were all the rage, with stars like Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton captivating audiences.
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Ford Model T’s Price Drops – Henry Ford’s mass production methods made the Model T more affordable, dropping to $395, making car ownership accessible to more Americans.
Science & Inventions of 1920
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Discovery of Insulin – Though not yet used in humans, researchers Frederick Banting and Charles Best began working on insulin in 1920, leading to a breakthrough treatment for diabetes in the following years.
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First Commercial Radio Broadcast – KDKA in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, made history with the first commercial radio broadcast on November 2, 1920, covering the U.S. presidential election results.
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The First Modern Hair Dryer – The first handheld hair dryer was invented in 1920, though it was bulky and not very powerful. It evolved into the efficient models we use today.
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Traffic Lights with a Warning Signal – William Potts, a Detroit police officer, introduced a three-color traffic light system, adding the yellow warning light, making intersections safer.
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Zippers Become Popular – The modern zipper started gaining commercial use, revolutionizing fashion and manufacturing.
Sports Highlights of 1920
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Babe Ruth Joins the Yankees – The Boston Red Sox sold Babe Ruth to the New York Yankees, a move that sparked the infamous "Curse of the Bambino."
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The NFL is Founded – On September 17, 1920, the American Professional Football Association (APFA) was formed in Canton, Ohio. It was later renamed the National Football League (NFL) in 1922.
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First Ever College Football Bowl Game – The Rose Bowl became the first-ever post-season college football bowl game, played on January 1, 1920, in Pasadena, California.
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The First PGA Championship Under the PGA of America – The Professional Golfers' Association of America (PGA) held its championship tournament, helping formalize professional golf in the U.S.
Top Songs of 1920
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"Swanee" – Al Jolson
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"Dardanella" – Ben Selvin & His Orchestra
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"Whispering" – Paul Whiteman & His Orchestra
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"Avalon" – Al Jolson
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"Crazy Blues" – Mamie Smith
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"I'll Be With You in Apple Blossom Time" – Charles Harrison
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"St. Louis Blues" – Marion Harris
Top Movies of 1920
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"Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde"
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"The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari"
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"Way Down East"
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"The Mark of Zorro"
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"Within Our Gates"
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"One Week"
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"Convict 13"
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"Why Change Your Wife?"
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"The Flapper"
FREE 1920 Year You Were Born Printable
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