Roaring+20s+Cocktail+Party

__Topic Overview__:

After WW I the US emerged as a new power in the world. Loan payments made by some European countries to the US fueled America’s booming economy, and Americans reveled in their new world importance. The 1920’s was a time of celebration for many Americans, a phenomenon that would stand in contrast to the Great Depression of the 1930’s. As Americans acquired more free time they desired more leisure activities. New forms of entertainment and cultural icons sprang up to prominence in American popular culture.

__Activity Overview__: In this **simulation game** students will be divided into 2 groups. One group is cultural icons from the 1920’s called “invited guests” and the other group is cultural icons from other twentieth-century decades called “party crashers.” The students will meet each other at a “cocktail party” to find out who is from the 1920’s and who/what is not. This activity serves as an introduction to American life in the 1920’s. This is a 21 Question Party where you will be asking one another questions to find out who is who. Take note of some of the clues that your classmates bring in in terms of props or food or any kind of media they are characterizing. If they are a person, look at the clothes he/she is wearing. Try to ask probing questions and discover who the characters are. Have fun!!!