America in the 1920s

America in the 1920s

Context of the 1920s

• Prior decade (1910s) experienced progressive reforms.

• Some reforms were unpopular among traditional Republicans.

The Transition of Leadership

Presidential Administration

• Warren G. Harding elected in 1920.

• Aimed to roll back regulations from the Progressive Era.

• Focus on pro-business policies.

Harding and Coolidge's Impact

• Both Harding and successor Calvin Coolidge supported business-friendly government.

• Limited effectiveness of Progressive laws.

• Regulatory agencies like the ICC and FTC filled with pro-business members.

  • Resulted in less stringent enforcement of regulations.

Economic Policies

Fordney-McCumber Tariff (1922)

• Raised tariff rates significantly.

• Gave the president the ability to adjust tariffs (up to 50%) without Congressional approval.

• Tariff rate and protected items adjusted frequently (32 times between 1922-1928).

Global Economic Impact

• Negative effects on global commerce:

  • Other nations raised tariffs.

  • Decline in American exports.

  • Slowdown of global trade.

Government Corruption

Teapot Dome Scandal

• Harding's administration faced allegations of corruption.

• Key figures including the Secretary of the Interior involved in bribery.

• Harding not directly linked to illegal activities.

Cultural and Social Change

• Major technological, social, and cultural changes transformed the nation.

• These changes had profound, interconnected impacts on American life.

Changes in Urban and Rural Dynamics

• Rise in the urban population, outpacing rural areas for the first time in history.

Rural vs. Urban Perspectives

• Cities perceived as immoral and threatening by those in small towns.

• Prohibition led to increased illegal activities (speakeasies and organized crime).

Transportation Revolution

Henry Ford and the Assembly Line

• Ford's innovation made cars affordable, enhancing personal freedom.

• Creation of a national road network increased accessibility.

• Development of a service industry around automobiles generated jobs.

Rise of Electricity

• Electricity transformed entertainment and household lifestyles.

• Emergence of night-time entertainment options, such as movies and radio.

Shared National Culture

• Driven by mass media:

  • Movies and radio created a shared experience across the country.

  • Billboards and advertisements unified consumer culture.

Division in American Society

• Cultural conflicts arose from modernization:

  • Urban lifestyles often seen as threatening to rural traditions.

  • Traditional values challenged by modern perspectives.

Attitudes Toward Women

Conservative Perspective

• Many in rural areas expected women to maintain traditional roles.

  • Focused on homemaking, modesty, and dependence on men.

Modern Perspectives

• Post-WWI, many urban women sought more independence and personal freedom.

• The Rise of Flappers: embraced new social norms, appeared more liberated.

  • Engaged in activities like dancing, drinking, and defying traditional gender roles.

Birth Control Movement

• Birth control initially illegal, yet gained advocacy from figures like Margaret Sanger.

• Established the American Birth Control League in 1921, which evolved into Planned Parenthood.

Workforce Participation

• Women entering workforce for financial independence.

  • Common jobs included nursing, teaching, and secretarial work.

• Rising college enrollment among women.

Contradictions in Women’s Progression

• Post-marriage expectations still limited women's independence.

• Women were still often expected to prioritize family over personal ambitions.

Racial Dynamics

The Great Migration

• Over a million African Americans moved from the South to northern cities to escape discrimination.

Harlem Renaissance

• Harlem emerged as a cultural center for African Americans, fostering pride and artistic expression.

• The notion of the 'New Negro' developed, emphasizing racial pride and awareness.

Marcus Garvey's Influence

• Advocated for migration to Africa and self-sufficiency among African Americans.

• Encouraged economic independence within communities.

Racial Tensions in Cities

• The influx of African Americans led to heightened racial tensions in northern communities.

• Notable violence during the Red Summer of 1919.

Immigration Policy Changes

• Push for immigration restrictions gained momentum in the early 20th century.

• Arguments rooted in social Darwinism, economic fears, and concerns about cultural changes.

Legislative Responses

• Emergency Quota Act (1921) limited immigration, setting quotas based on the existing population from each country.

• Amended in 1924 to decrease allowable quotas further.

Impact of Religious Fundamentalism

Threat to Protestant Christianity

• Influx of immigrants and evolving social norms threatened traditional values.

  • Increased acceptance of evolution sparked backlash among conservatives.

The KKK's Resurgence

• The Klan evolved from anti-Black sentiments to broader protection of traditional American values.

• Targeted immigrants, Catholics, Jews, and modern lifestyles, gaining significant political power.

Conclusion: America’s Divided Society

• The 1920s epitomized a cultural divide: urban modernity vs. rural traditionalism.

• Ongoing social tensions mirror historical conflicts.