The_1920s_

The 1920s Overview

  • Important period in American history with significant socio-political and cultural changes.

  • A period characterized by both prosperity and underlying tensions.

Quiz Next Class

  • Prepare for a quiz on the key events and themes discussed in the 1920s.

A Flawed Peace

  • Treaty of Versailles: The US did not ratify this treaty or join the League of Nations.

  • Economic Struggles: Difficulty reabsorbing returning soldiers after WWI.

  • Decline in Demand: European demand for US goods decreased post-war.

  • Labor Unrest: Increased strikes and labor disputes due to economic hardships.

  • Fear of Communism: Rise in anxiety regarding communist ideologies.

  • Racial Tensions: Increased racial tensions led to riots.

Non-Military Outcomes of WWI

  • Women's Rights: Passage of the 19th Amendment granting women the right to vote.

  • Racial Tensions: Notable events like the Red Summer, showcasing violent race riots.

  • US Isolationism: A return to isolationist policies post-WWI.

  • Anti-Communist Sentiment: Distrust towards communism influenced national policies.

  • Limitations on Free Speech: Schenk v. US (1919) tested the boundaries of free speech during wartime.

  • Government Involvement: Increased government role in the economy.

  • Lost Generation: Disillusionment with traditional values and norms among intellectuals.

  • Economic Fluctuations: Period of growth followed by economic collapse.

Daily Life in the Roaring '20s

  • Increase in Consumption and Debt: Rising consumer culture led to increased personal debt.

  • Shopping Changes: Growth of department and chain stores revolutionized shopping.

  • Credit System: The introduction of credit changed purchasing behaviors.

  • Automobiles: Dramatic impact on economy and lifestyle, reshaping urban landscapes.

Prosperity of the 1920s

  • Low Unemployment: Economic stability brought low rates of unemployment.

  • Higher Living Standards: Increased standards of living due to economic growth.

  • Modern Amenities: Introduction of electricity and indoor plumbing became commonplace.

  • Real Income Growth: While many prospered, poverty remained a concern for many families.

  • Increased Productivity: Significant enhancements in manufacturing and service sectors.

  • Business Growth: Low taxes, interest rates, and few regulations fostered business expansion.

Mass Society & Homogenization

  • Media Influence: Variety of radio programs brought news, sports, and entertainment into homes.

  • Jazz Music: A defining cultural element that gained immense popularity.

  • Talkies: The advent of talking films in 1927 transformed the movie industry.

  • Cultural Icons: Popular heroes emerged, notably in sports, such as Babe Ruth, Jim Thorpe, and Jack Dempsey.

  • Aviator Fame: Charles Lindbergh became the most admired figure of the era due to his aviation achievements.

Changing Attitudes

  • Challenges to Tradition: Traditional values faced opposition from progressive views.

  • Scopes Monkey Trial: A landmark trial over teaching evolution, showcasing conflict between modernity and tradition.

  • Prohibition: Introduced by the 18th Amendment, resulting in organized crime from illegal alcohol trade.

  • Repeal of Prohibition: The 21st Amendment in 1933 repealed the 18th Amendment.

Women in the 1920s

  • 19th Amendment: Granted women suffrage, though voting patterns were still influenced by male figures.

  • Labor Saving Devices: Home appliances, such as washing machines, eased household responsibilities.

  • Education and Employment: More women completed high school, and some entered the workforce in 'pink-collar' jobs.

  • Changing Morals and Fashions: Women's fashion became more daring (e.g., flappers).

  • Divorce Laws: Liberalization of divorce laws reflected changing social values.

Nativism and Anti-Immigrant Efforts

  • Post-WWI Immigration: Increased immigration led to fears of societal transformation.

  • National Origins Act (1924): Established restrictive quotas on immigration.

  • Eugenics & IQ Tests: Used to justify discriminatory policies against certain groups.

  • Sacco and Vanzetti Trial: Highlighted anti-Italian sentiments and fears of radicalism (1927).

  • KKK Resurgence: The KKK grew in both the Midwest and South, broadening its targets beyond African Americans.

Foreign Policy & Isolationism

  • Washington Conference (1921): Major powers agreed to limit naval buildups and respect each other’s territories.

  • Kellogg-Briand Pact (1928): Aimed to renounce war as a means of resolving disputes.

  • Hawley-Smoot Tariff (1930): High tariffs that restricted international trade and affected global relations.

robot