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.