Cultural and Social Upheaval in Early 20th Century America

These flashcards cover key concepts from the lecture on the social and cultural upheaval in early 20th century America, focusing on the Lynds' study in Muncie, the rise of the Ku Klux Klan, and issues related to immigration and citizenship.

Who were the Lynds and what did they study?

Robert Staughton Lynd and Helen Merell Lynd were married academics who studied the daily lives of residents in Muncie, Indiana, publishing their research in 1929 as 'Middletown: A Study in Modern American Culture.'

Why did the Lynds choose the pseudonym 'Middletown'?

The pseudonym was chosen to protect the subjects’ identities, project scientific objectivity, and signal the community's representative quality.

What was a significant social observation made by the Lynds regarding class differences in Muncie?

The Lynds noted a growing wealth gap that created starkly divergent lifestyles and opportunities for working-class and middle-class citizens.

What trend did the Lynds observe regarding religious observance in Muncie?

They observed a general decline in religious observance, especially among the younger generation.

How did the presence of the KKK manifest in Muncie in the 1920s?

At the time of the Lynds's study, one in twelve residents of Muncie belonged to the KKK, which mixed anti-Semitism, anti-Catholic bigotry, and anti-Black racism.

What was the estimated membership of the KKK nationally by the mid-1920s?

The KKK's national membership mushroomed to an estimated 5 million members.

What two Supreme Court cases in the early 1920s addressed issues of U.S. citizenship for Asians?

The cases were Ozawa v. United States and United States v. Bhagat Singh Thind.

What act significantly restricted immigration in 1924?

The Johnson-Reed Immigration Act of 1924, which set new national immigration quotas based on the 1890 census.

How did cultural narratives in the early 20th century influence immigration policies?

Pseudo-scientific theories promoting white supremacy helped to justify restrictive immigration policies and discrimination.

What was the underlying theme of Madison Grant's book 'The Passing of the Great Race'?

The book extolled the virtues of 'Nordic' peoples while cataloging the supposed vices of 'Mediterranean' peoples, promoting ideas of racial superiority.