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Post Essay and Works Cited HERE  The 1920s and 1980s are full of monumental events in American history, but what makes them so important? Was it the individual that lead others toward change, or was it the society itself that caused these events? Using the Great Man Criteria, which includes the significance of the accomplishment, endurance of legacy,extent of influence, and impact on daily life, I will determine what has shaped American history as well as which event from each decade was the most important. So far, I have narrowed it down to 3 topics from the 20s and 3 from the 80s. From the 20s, I have decided on the Volstead Act, Broadway, and the Chrysler Building. I have decided on the Cult of Celebrities, Libyan Bombing, and 1988 Olympics for my 80s topics.  The significance of the accomplishment of each topic can reveal how important it is through how dire the need was for this event. The Volstead Act created a ripple effect that changed the culture of America nationwide in a negative way. As Stacy G., a student at Upper Arlington High School (UAHS) wrote in her wiki, " By prohibiting the manufacture and sale of Alcohol with the Eighteenth Amendment and the Volstead Act, the original vision of a less violent and more sober United States turned into a country filled with organized crime and even more violence"(Stacy). America turned into a restless country fighting against it's own government, no one could escape the presence of the Volstead Act, which is now a reminder of how difficult it is to force a change upon society. Broadway, though in the same era, brought about a completely different attitude in American citizens. The many shows produced during the 20s were hopeful, funny, and full of lively music. Michael M, a UAHS student, stated in his wiki, "The explosion of Broadway and the many writers who were involved in it help to move our country along in the years after WWI"(Michael). This boost of morale was limited to those who could afford and appreciate the arts, limiting it's significance to a specific group of Americans. The Chrysler Building, the tallest building in the world at the time, was recognized by all. Abby S, UAHS student, summed up the importance of this building in her wiki when she wrote, " William Van Alen and the Art Deco movement accomplished the Chrysler Building which has become a significant symbol for the 1920s in America. The building’s design is so well known and has even inspired other structures worldwide" (Abby). This building began an architectural revolution that has changed all skyscrapers afterwards as well as marked this style as a 1920s signature trait.  Not only must the importance of the event at the time be considered, but the endurance of the legacy also measures how grand these events are. In the case of the Volstead Act, the actual effect ended shortly after it was initiated, but the implications of this act have been remembered. Stacy addresses some remnants such as, " ...the idea of “organized crime” (crime) and the practice of drinking alcohol at home rather than in a salon. The legacies and events that are expressed as a result of the Volstead Act and Prohibition show how impactful the situation really was on society" (Stacy). The fact that alcohol is now legal is a constant reminder that the Volstead Act was a failure, which raises the concern of America's dependency on alcohol as well as how much authority the government really holds over it's citizens. Liberation was a common trend in the 20s, and Broadway gave people a legal taste of it. As it boomed in the 20s, Broadway's popularity has endured over the years. Michael agrees with me, as he said, "Broadway has stood the test of time, and it continues to thrive today. Its wildly popular shows travel to major world cities" (Michael). Musicals that have made it onto Broadway are highly regarded now possibly even more so than the 20s, seeing as their reputation has improved over time. As for the Chrysler building's legacy, though still famous and well known, has lost it's claim to fame for being the tallest building. Despite this loss, the modern style of this building, as Abby put it,"...was a way of making the world smaller and one step closer to a national culture" (Abby). Cities around the world filled with skyscrapers similar to the Chrysler building are a reminder of the common thread that has been sewn through all nations.  Not only should the endurance of the legacy be noted, but also the extent of influence. It's important to know if a topic swept the nation or maybe even the world, or if it only deeply effected a select few. The Volstead act was one which had a widespread influence over America. It was quite the controversy that drew a lot of attention from, "...a diverse group of people which ranged from individual persons to an entire business. As prohibition, which was made official by the Volstead Act, reached the nation, a series of changes to everyday life became prominent" (Stacy). Broadway's influence differed from this, only effecting those who chose to get involved, although many did partake in some way. There was also an influence in other pop culture areas, such as, "Broadway in the 1920s stimulated far-reaching changes as its themes crept into television shows" (Michael). A much larger sphere of influence was derived from the Chrysler building's design, which many cities modeled their buildings after. Anyone who went to a large city would see this Art Deco style that, "...was influenced by France and the Art Deco movement mostly from architects who had moved to America and the spread of these ideas helped connect the cultures of Europe and America"(Abby). This influence was spreading all over the world, changing every culture simultaneously and creating an entirely new style of architecture.  To see how embedded this topic is into American lives, it only makes sense to see if it's a part of everyday life, in the past and presently. The Volstead Act did effect everyday life in the 20s, seeing as, "The majority of the restaurants used alcohol daily for flavoring purposes and when prohibition came around, trained chefs left to find new jobs in wealthy homes or even Europe. Next, Jack Blocker, a writer on elibrary, writes “breweries, wineries, and distilleries closed their doors forever” (Blocker). With no one able to purchase alcohol anymore, these businesses lost their place in society and closed, with many never opening up again even after the end of prohibition. Finally, from an individual’s standpoint, “more than a half million arrests were made by local, state and federal officials . . . and Americans began to fear police intrusion into their personal lives” (Smock)" (Stacy). Now, all businesses related to alcohol have recovered and we see no effect of the Volstead Act. Broadway did not and does not effect daily lives. In the 20s, it may have effected lives more seeing as there weren't as many forms of entertainment and live shows were more prized. However, people weren't seeing a Broadway show daily, seeing as, "[Broadway shows]...were 10 times more expensive than movie tickets..." (Michael). Today, Broadway is still quite expensive and going to a show would be considered a rare treat. The Chrysler building and the Art-Deco movement also has little effect on daily life.Seeing as this movement was purely aesthetic," The details of the skyscraper were influenced by the movement and less than a century later still impact tourists, but otherwise the style of the building does not affect people's lives" (Abby). The international culture aspect has been lost since the 20s and these buildings are now considered a part of a cities own culture, they no longer relate it with the worldwide movement.

 The 1980s experienced similar shifts in culture, daily life, and political issues. The significance of the Cult of Celebrities, which included Princess Diana and John Lennon, was huge.Alex K, UAHS student, described Diana's accomplishments which were associated with, ** "...the way she openly spoke about humanitarian causes and even the way she cared for her two sons. Millions mourned when Princess Diana died in 1997, and today, millions still remember her for the loving person that she portrayed herself to be" (Alex). Seeing as she was highly regarded, her priorities became the nations priorities, making it easier to accomplish. John Lennon had the same effect on people due to, " **** His involvement as an artist in The Beatles and as a solo artist captured the attention and love from many fans. His music was not the only aspect of him that people admired. Lennon was often recognized for his political activism(Salem Press)" (Alex). These accomplishments, though significant, can not compare to the worth of human life. The Libyan Bombing, a tragic and horrid accomplishment, was a significant accomplishment none the less. The terrorists managed an attack vicious enough that, according to Stacy G's wiki, " ** No one on the plane survived and the crash of the plane into Lockerbie took additional lives. Donna E. Arzt, And Bruce J. Evensen, authors from Gale Virtual Reference Library, put the number of deaths at “259 passengers and crew and 11 residents.” (Arzt)" (Stacy). The summer Olympics of 1988 also came with an unfortunate accomplishment: the use of drugs. As Reyna, a UAHS student, wrote in her wiki, "Carl Lewis and Ben Johnson were famous sprinters, two of the fastest 100 meter dashers in the history, but they disgraced themselves and America at the 1988 Seoul Summer Olympics when they were caught using steroids" (Reyna). This was significant because it compromised the trust instilled in all athletes across the globe.  The legacy left from Diana and Lennon is one that remains strong. Alex described Diana's mark as, " ** Many people believed that Princess Di had changed the British monarchy forever and she soon became one of the most beloved figures in the later half of the 20th century. She has brought a breath of fresh air into the British monarchy that exists today and her legacy still lives on" (Alex). Lennon also created a legacy that lives on and effects the perspectives of people everywhere. Lennon remains timeless as, " **** He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame after his death and his legacy still lives on today as many people still listen to his music. People admire him for is hard work and learn about him through documentaries that were made after his death" (Alex). In Lennon's case, his legacy may be more famous than he ever was when he was alive. The Libyan bombing also created a legacy that has withheld time. This began the stereotype of Middle Eastern terrorist and, " ** Overall the legacy of the bombing of Pan Am 103, seems to be the relationship created between Scotland and America, and also that “the bombing, which scattered flaming wreckage onto the small town of Lockerbie . . . [and] became one of the most vivid scenes of terrorism of that era..."' (Stacy). As far as the '88 Olympics go, "... people became more cynical and less trusting of athletes after the Lewis and Johnson scandal" (Reyna). These heroes who gave people hope that you can do the impossible, turned out to be fakes, causing a loss of hope in all people, especially Americans and Canadians.  A great example of a widespread influence is Diana and Lennon. We can see this considering neither were from America, yet they were the icons of the decade here. In Alex's wiki she states, " Of course she became well known when she married into the British Monarchy, but it was her personality and good heart that ultimately produced her legacy...She inspired millions" (Alex). Lennon's legacy spread to a similar large group, seeing as both of these stars are known for their caring and compassionate ways. The Libyan bombing also influenced an international population. A majority of those effected were from America and Scotland, considering, " Losses included people from both America and Scotland, and through memorial services held in both America and Scotland, strong friendships were created" (Stacy). There were so many killed, which then touched so many other lives, that the extent of this bombing stretches from the Middle East, to Europe, to America. Another widespread tragedy is the '88 Olympics. The media latched onto this scandal creating, "Immediate effects and reactions were very wide-spread—people were shocked and disappointed, and the event was big news" (Reyna). Although nearly everyone heard of this incident, the only who were truly influenced were other athletes and sports fanatics.  Daily life pertaining to Diana and Lennon was not dramatically altered. As I found in Alex's wiki, " Even after her death the princess remained front-page news"(Britannica). Hugo Vickers, a royal historian and commentator, stated that "if you had been asleep that week[she died], you might be misled to think that she was still with us. Her memory, her soul, hasn't been allowed to settle"(SIRS Knowledge)" (Alex). Lennon also remained as famous after death, changing no daily life activities, then or now. He managed this swift shift because, " <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">His legacy lives on due to the fact that he put everything he had into his music" (Alex). John and Diana accomplished things greater than themselves, preserving their spirit for eternity. The Libyan bombing's initial effects on daily life consisted of fear of Libya and grief, but has since evolved into, "...the improvement of airport security and the advancement of trade relations with Libya..." (Stacy). Although airport security is a nuisance in most people's daily lives, they are also given a sense of safety. Improved trade relations with Libya is seen in daily life when ever going to a gas station and seeing the price of gas, which has never been as expensive as it was in the 80s. As for the Olympic scandal, little to no daily lives were effected in the 80s or now. <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">In terms of daily life, "...the event is remembered by few; the scandal is brushed aside and forgotten in terms of sports history" (Reyna). This legacy is one that many are happy isn't long lasting. <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;"> Based on my above analysis of the 1920s and 1980s using the Great Man criteria, I have ranked these topics from most significant to least. In the 20s, I believe the Volstead Act made an attempt at what was, temporarily, the largest accomplishment. It also effected the most people in their daily lives, though there is little legacy to show for this. The creation of the Chrysler building didn't change all Americans lives like the Volstead Act, but it could not be ignored as Broadway could be completely excluded from someone's life. It was also a part of the Art-Deco movement that was going on worldwide, not strictly in America as Broadway was. The 80s topic that was most important is the Cult of Celebrities, John Lennon and Princess Diana. Their accomplishments were caring, open minded personalities and actions that others could model themselves after. Since their influence was worldwide, they really did make the world a better place. The Libyan bombing changed our current world, such as foreign affairs and America's view on the Middle East, but the impact of this event will fade over time, unlike the example Dianna and Lennon set. The Libyan bombing is more significant than the '88 Olympics, seeing as lives were lost and international history was altered. The Olympics scandal only caused a stir at the time, and no one was impacted too deeply. Overall, civil society was the drive behind the 20s and 80s. In the 20s, the Volstead Act was a failure because society had control. If one single person objected to the prohibition, they would have simply been arrested. It had to be the whole society that wanted this change in order to end the Volstead Act. As for the 80s, Lennon and Diana were so famous and influential because they were //different// from what was running the decade. They refused to go with the majority, which caused people to notice and admire them. They simply did what they thought was right and paid little attention anything else, which shocked the world, thus proving the world was being run by what society as a whole was demanding.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Works Cited:

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Abby W. "Chrysler Building, William Van Alen, Art Deco design style" 2012.//Buchholtz Sidor American Studies.//

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;"> Web. 1 Apr. 2012.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;"> Alex K. " Cult of Celebrity: Princess Diana & John Lennon" 2012. //Buchholtz Sidor American Studies.// <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Web. 1 Apr. 2012.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Michael M."Broadway, George Gershwin, Eugene O’Neil" 2012. //Buchholtz Sidor American Studies.// <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Web. 1 Apr. 2012.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Reyna L. "Ben Johnson, Carl Lewis, 1988 Olympics" 2012. //Buchholtz Sidor American Studies.// <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Web. 1 Apr. 2012.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Stacy G. "Eliot Ness, U.S. Treasury Department, Volstead Act" 2012. //Buchholtz Sidor American Studies.// <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;"> Web. 1 Apr. 2012.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Stacy G. "Libyan Terrorist Bombing, Pan Am 103, Lockerbie, Scotland" 2012. //Buchholtz Sidor American Studies.// <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Web. 1 Apr. 2012.

RUBRIC

A quality comparison essay will

•Use the __four__ criteria of Great Man Continuum to analyze the significance of three 1920’s topics and three 1980s topics. general reference, thin analysis

•Analyze of each of the 6 topics with evidence taken from the 1920s and 1980s wikis, Discussed not always analyzed

•Develop a thoughtful and thorough conclusions on all 6 topics, on some topics

•Rank the three topics for each decade and explain why one topic is more influential than the other two, yes

•Answer the essay question with a clear, well reasoned argument, some clear reasoning--some confusing points

•Explain why the __second__ choice fell short compared to the __first__ choice but is more just than the __third__ choice, yes

•Organize ideas in extended power paragraphs, inconsistently used in the latter part of the paper--

•Identify the source and establish its credibility with an appositive phrase, done a few times

•Cite evidence with internal citations and in a Works Cited. Click links for exemplars. Mostly correct