High School

1. How did WWI affect the worldview of Americans and increase the popularity of athletes?

2. Why was Charles Lindbergh a hero for many Americans during the 1920s?

3. How did the new mass media contribute to the popularity of heroes?

Answer :

World War I affected the worldview of many Americans in a negative manner, showing that America helped out tremendously in the last year of the war. But as a result of the creation of the League of Nations and Wilson's push towards United States involvement in world affairs, many felt that we as a country wanted to focus more on domestic issues and thus the United States was never involved in the League as the Senate failed to ratify the treaty. Athletes became popular during this time period as the media and people glorified them to an extent with the example of Babe Ruth especially, along with people like Charles Lindbergh becoming a American legend after flying solo nonstop from New York to Paris with his own aircraft "Spirit of St Louis". The media put them on a pedestal as a result.

World War I affected the American worldview by highlighting the need for normalcy after the war's devastation. Charles Lindbergh became a hero for his aviation feat, reflecting American resilience. The growth of mass media in the 1920s helped solidify the popularity of such figures, making them prominent national heroes.

The impact of World War I significantly altered the worldview of Americans. It demonstrated the devastating effects of modern warfare and contributed to a desire for normalcy and escapism. As a result, it increased the popularity of athletes and other figures who embodied the strength and perseverance many sought to emulate.

Charles Lindbergh became a national hero in the 1920s when he completed the first solo transatlantic flight, symbolizing American ingenuity and courage.


The introduction and growth of mass media, including motion pictures, radio, and eventually television, played a crucial role in elevating sports and entertainment figures to hero status. These mediums provided widespread coverage and allowed figures like Lindbergh to become household names. Americans were captivated by their exploits, which provided a welcome distraction from the grim realities of the post-war era.

The Great War's legacy included physical and emotional exhaustion among returning soldiers, political divisions at home, and a general desire to return to peaceful domestic life. The war effort had seen the government take control over industrial outputs and public opinion, while women and minorities in the military started to challenge traditional gender roles.

Key Aspects of WWI's Impact

  • Nationalism as a driving force behind global conflicts
  • America's initial reluctance to enter the war, changing in 1917 with congressional and presidential decision
  • Social changes post-war, leading to an embrace of athletes and entertainers as national heroes

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