reactionary 20s

The Reactionary 20s overview

A period where rural conservatives opposed radical immigrants, evolution, and moral decline. Tension grew between rural areas (associated with traditional values) and urban areas (associated with anarchism, communism, and labor radicalism), leading to a rise in nativism.

Primary goal of Conservative Republicans in the 1920s

To reverse the policies of Progressives like Teddy Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson by cutting taxes, reducing federal regulations, and limiting the power of government agencies.

Nativism in the 1920s

The rise of anti-foreign sentiment. Americans became skeptical of all things foreign and wanted to restore traditional Christian values, fighting against growing secularism and modernism.

Emergency Immigration Act of 1921

Limited immigration from the Eastern Hemisphere to 150,000 people per year. Set quotas so that no more than 3% of a European nation's population, as recorded in the 1910 Census, would be admitted.

Immigration Act of 1924 (National Origins Act)

Reduced the annual quota for Europeans to 2% of the population from the 1890 Census (favoring Northern Europeans). Nearly cut off all immigration from Asia, but placed no restrictions on the Western Hemisphere, leading to Mexican Americans becoming the fastest-growing group.

1920s Ku Klux Klan demographics

40% of members were from Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio. Connecticut had more members than Mississippi. Included farmers, doctors, teachers, lawyers, and women, boasting over 4 million members by mid-decade.

Who the KKK opposed

They hated everyone not white, male, American-born, and Protestant. This included blacks, immigrants, Jews, atheists, Communists, Catholics, and bootleggers.

Protestant Fundamentalism in the 1920s

Characterized by a literal interpretation of the Bible. Supported by figures like William Jennings Bryan, it led to state laws banning the teaching of evolution in schools.

Scopes “Monkey” Trial

1925 trial in Dayton, Tennessee where teacher John Scopes was charged with violating a state law by teaching evolution. He was fined $100, and prosecutor William Jennings Bryan died just days after the trial.

Goals of Prohibition supporters

Rural Protestants and urban progressive reformers saw drinking as a sin linked to social problems (prostitution, divorce, neglected children). They also held animus toward groups they associated with drinking, like blacks, the working-class, and foreigners.

18th Amendment

Ratified in 1919 and went into effect in 1920, it banned the manufacture, sale, and transport of alcoholic beverages. Enforcement was inconsistent and costly, leading to lost tax revenue and widespread corruption.

Unexpected consequences of Prohibition

Total alcohol consumption declined, but it led to the rise of bootlegging and organized crime. By 1932, NYC had 32,000 speakeasies (illegal bars), up from 15,000 in 1919.

Al “Scarface” Capone

Chicago gangster who made about $1 billion a year (in today's money) from bootlegging. He led 700 gangsters, used ruthless violence, bribed officials, and was eventually imprisoned for tax evasion.

Elliot Ness and the downfall of Capone

Federal agent appointed by President Hoover to target Capone. Ness successfully charged Capone with tax evasion, leading to his imprisonment.

Warren G. Harding's 1920 campaign promise

Promised "a return to normalcy," which resonated with Americans weary from war and progressive reforms. He won in a landslide over Democrat James Cox.

Harding's presidential style and scandals

Surrounded himself with friends (the "Ohio Gang"), indulged in poker and affairs. His administration was plagued by scandals, most notably the Teapot Dome scandal, where officials accepted bribes for oil reserve leases.

Teapot Dome scandal

A major scandal under Harding where Secretary of the Interior Albert Fall accepted bribes to lease government oil reserves in Teapot Dome, Wyoming, to private oil tycoons.

Calvin Coolidge's political philosophy

A conservative who wanted to shrink the federal government. He believed "The business of America is business," championed big business, cut taxes and regulations, and vetoed 50 bills.

Calvin Coolidge's nickname and habits

Nicknamed "Silent Cal" for his quiet demeanor. He was known for sleeping 12 hours a night and taking an afternoon nap.

1928 presidential election

Republican Herbert Hoover won against Democrat Al Smith. Smith was against the KKK and for ending Prohibition, which made him unpopular in many regions.

Connection between WWI and Prohibition

Using grain for alcohol was seen as wasteful when it was needed for soldiers. Drinking alcohol could be viewed as unpatriotic during the war effort, helping to build support for the 18th Amendment.

Key issue of the 1928 election involving Al Smith

Al Smith was a Catholic and against the KKK, which made him a target for prejudice and contributed to his loss to Herbert Hoover.

Main economic policies of 1920s Republican presidents

Harding, Coolidge, and Hoover all pursued cutting taxes (top rate fell from 73% to 23%), reducing federal spending and the national debt, and removing regulations on business.