Culture of Reaction in the 1920s

Flashcards about the culture of reaction in the 1920s, including the resurgence of the KKK, fundamentalism, prohibition, and the Scopes Trial.

What was a significant factor contributing to tension and chaos in the 1920s alongside societal advancements?

A culture of reaction seeking to reverse the advances made by groups like women, African Americans, and labor after World War I.

What was the purpose of the Ku Klux Klan during Reconstruction?

A racist and political organization aiming to reestablish the Democratic Party as the party of power in the South during Reconstruction.

What did the Force Acts passed by the Grant administration and Congress do regarding the Ku Klux Klan?

Declared the KKK a terrorist organization and authorized the use of military force against them.

What is 'Birth of a Nation' and how did it portray the Ku Klux Klan and Reconstruction?

A 1915 silent film portraying the KKK as heroes and white southerners as victims of corrupt Reconstruction governments.

Where and when was the Ku Klux Klan reformed, inspired by the film 'Birth of a Nation'?

Stone Mountain, Georgia, in 1915.

Who did the Ku Klux Klan target after its reappearance in 1915, besides African Americans?

Targeted African Americans, immigrants, Jews, Catholics, and anyone not considered a 'real American,' inspired by the push for 100% Americanism.

What role did the Ku Klux Klan take on regarding prohibition in the 1920s?

Defenders of prohibition, aiming to wipe out the evils of alcohol.

How did the Ku Klux Klan's membership numbers change from 1920 to 1924, indicating its growing influence?

From 5,000 members in 1920 to 5,000,000 members by 1924.

What led to the decline in popularity of the Ku Klux Klan after the 1920s?

The Klan got caught up in a series of scandals, causing it to decline in popularity.

What concerns drove the religious movement known as fundamentalism in the 1920s?

Evangelical Christians concerned about materialism, changing gender roles, and new ideas threatening Christian values.

What were 'The Fundamentals' and what did they advocate?

A series of pamphlets published in 1910 that laid out a strict interpretation of the Bible, advocating for the belief that every word is the literal truth.

Who was Billy Sunday and what role did he play in the fundamentalist movement?

A preacher who helped spread the fundamentalist message and stir up crowds.

What event marked the success of the temperance movement, driven by fundamentalist beliefs, in 1919?

The ratification of the Eighteenth Amendment in 1919, which outlawed the manufacture, sale, and transportation of intoxicating liquors.

What were some unintended consequences of prohibition as Americans continued to seek alcohol?

Speakeasies, rum runners, and bootleg moonshine.

Who was John Scopes and what role did he play in the Scopes Trial?

A teacher who intentionally violated a Tennessee law by teaching evolution in the classroom, leading to a famous trial.

What did the Scopes Trial symbolize in the 1920s?

A showdown between modernity and fundamentalism over the teaching of evolution in schools.

Who were the key figures representing the defense and prosecution in the Scopes Trial?

Clarence Darrow (defense) and William Jennings Bryan (prosecution).

What was the outcome of the Scopes Trial, and how did it affect public opinion regarding fundamentalism?

Scopes was found guilty, but the defense won in the court of public opinion by making the prosecution look silly.

How did the Scopes Trial influence the fundamentalist movement's involvement in politics and public policy?

Inspired many fundamentalists to retreat from public life and political engagement.