First published 2019
Martin W. Sandler examines 1919 as a pivotal moment when multiple social movements collided in America. The country struggled to readjust after World War I while black veterans faced brutal racism that erupted into the Red Summer violence. Women's suffrage advocates celebrated their hard-won victory at the ballot box. Workers marched in the streets demanding better conditions as fears of communism gripped the nation. The temperance movement achieved its goal when prohibition became law. Sandler argues that each of these causes reached a critical juncture during this single year. He follows how these same issues evolved over the following century, demonstrating that social progress moves in fits and starts rather than steady advancement. The book connects historical patterns to contemporary struggles, giving readers tools to understand both past events and ongoing efforts for change. This National Book Award finalist reveals how the tensions of 1919 continue to shape American society today.
Genres: 20th-century, 21st-century, activism, american-history
Vibes: intimate, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: historical-events, social-change
Setting: America
Period: 1919
192 pages · Hardcover · Bloomsbury Children's Books
Content warnings: racism, violence