Nativism, The Scopes Trial, and Prohibition in 1920s America

Nativism and the First Red Scare

  • Historical Context: Following World War I (WWI), there was a significant resurgence in nativist campaigns and a growing fear regarding the spread of radical ideas into America.

  • Radical Ideologies: The primary fears centered on anarchy and Communism being introduced to the United States through immigrants and labor strikes.

  • Immigration Quota Act of 19241924: This legislation was a direct result of nativist pressures. It functioned to:

    • Reduce the number of immigrants permitted to enter the country.

    • Specifically target and limit immigration from Southern and Eastern Europe as well as Asia.

  • The Case of Sacco and Vanzetti:

    • Identity: They were Italian immigrants.

    • Charges: They were charged with armed robbery and murder.

    • Legal Outcome: Following what was described as an unfair trial, both men were convicted and executed.

  • Social Significance: The First Red Scare served as a clear indicator of the deep social divide existing between nativist fears and radical politics.

The Scopes Trial

  • Legal Dispute: John Scopes was charged with violating a Tennessee (TNTN) state law that prohibited the teaching of the theory of evolution in public schools.

  • Key Participants:

    • William Jennings Bryan: Led the argument for the prosecution.

    • Clarence Darrow: Led the argument for the defense.

  • The Witness Stand: In a famous moment of the trial, William Jennings Bryan defended Christian beliefs while on the witness stand but appeared to be confused during the process.

  • Trial Results:

    • The judge initially ruled that Scopes was guilty.

    • This ruling was later overturned on a technicality.

  • Social Significance: The trial demonstrated the growing cultural divide between religious tradition and modern science.

Prohibition and the 18th18^{\text{th}} Amendment

  • Legislation: The 18th18^{\text{th}} Amendment was ratified in 19191919 and took effect in 19201920.

  • Definition: Prohibition refers to the national ban on the manufacture and sale of alcohol.

  • The Volstead Act: This was the specific law that outlined the rules and regulations required to enforce the 18th18^{\text{th}} Amendment.

    • Weaknesses: The act was filled with loopholes, and Congress did not supply adequate funding to ensure its enforcement.

  • Unintended Consequences of Prohibition:

    • Government Revenue: The federal government suffered a loss of liquor taxes, which had previously accounted for nearly 30%30\% of its total annual revenue.

    • Impact on Labor: The closing of breweries, distilleries, and saloons resulted in the elimination of thousands of jobs.

    • Crime and Corruption: The law was broken by a huge number of people, which directly led to the rise of organized crime and widespread police corruption.

    • Incarceration: More than 500,000500,000 people were jailed for violating the Volstead Act.

  • Key Terms and Figures:

    • Speakeasies: The term used to describe illegal saloons that operated during Prohibition.

    • Al Capone: A notorious figure associated with organized crime and the illegal alcohol trade during this era.

Classroom Logistics and Discussion

  • Assessment Schedule (LAP 66 Test): The test is scheduled for Wednesday, March 55 or Thursday, March 66.

  • Warm Up Activity: Students are tasked with working with a partner to read about the Scopes trial and the First Red Scare and answering the provided questions.

  • Image Analysis (Visual Text): A slide depicts a gate for Europe with the text "3%3\%," denoting the restrictive nature of immigration quotas for the nation.

  • Turn and Talk Prompts:

    • Provide ONE example of how change divided Americans during the 1920s1920\text{s}.

    • Provide ONE example of how change united Americans during the 1920s1920\text{s}.