The first half of the 20th century brought devastation in the form of two world wars. With deadly new technology for warfare, World War I stunned the world with its vast number of casualties. The Great War also created the "Lost Generation," a group of writers who gave voice to the disillusionment of the times. The 1940s and 1950s were marked by dramatic efforts toward social change, including the struggle for civil rights for African Americans. The rapidly changing times inspired new forms of literary expression, particularly Modernism. In the words of Ezra Pound, Modernist artists, musicians, and writers sought to "make it new"—to find new, authentic ways to tell truths about modern life.
This lesson will help you review the key authors, events, and themes associated with this period in American literature while helping you to prepare for the module exam.