the 1920s
Blue Books and Upcoming Quiz
Returning of Blue Books scheduled for next Tuesday.
Quiz on the same day:
Format remains consistent with previous quizzes.
Preparation requirement:
Review material from today's class.
Read Chapters Nine and Ten of "Constructive."
Overview of the 1920s Decade
Characterization of the 1920s:
Considered an odd and contradictory decade in American history.
Positioned between two significant periods:
Preceded by an era of progressive reform and U.S. participation in World War I.
Followed by the Great Depression leading to World War II.
Description as an "interlude":
The decade marked by rapid change and societal anxiety.
Introduction of transformative products, e.g., the automobile.
Dramatic changes in women's fashion, such as skirt hemlines rising from ankle to knee.
Commonly referred to as the "Roaring Twenties."
Central Theme:
Notable tensions between old and new, tradition and modernity.
Mixed reactions among the populace regarding societal changes.
Political Changes in the 1920s
Political upheaval in the aftermath of World War I:
Rapid transition from wartime to peacetime economy following the return of 3 million American troops.
Public discontent and unrest coinciding with the end of the war.
Influence of the 1918 influenza pandemic (Spanish flu), resulting in approximately 670,000 deaths in the U.S.
1920 Presidential Election:
Public demand for stability and normalcy led to the election of Warren G. Harding, the Republican candidate.
Harding's political reputation:
Often viewed unfavorably by historians.
Described as a handsome but underqualified candidate with personal vices.
Harding's Campaign Message:
"Return to normalcy" resonated with the public's desire for stability.
Political philosophy:
Advocated limited government involvement in human rights and progressive reform.
Suggested that not all societal issues can be resolved through legislation.
Conclusion on Harding's Politics:
Harding marked the end of the progressive reform era, promoting limited government conservatism.
Contrast with progressive ideals that called for active governmental intervention.
Calvin Coolidge and Political Continuation
After Harding's death in 1923, Calvin Coolidge assumed the presidency.
Known for his few words and extremely conservative policies.
Strong pro-business stance and limited government conservatism.
Quote: "The business of America is business."
Response to Major Events:
Refused federal assistance following the 1927 Mississippi River flood, stating no obligation existed for federal government to protect citizens from natural hazards.
Illustrates the philosophy of limited government throughout the decade.
Summary of Republican Leadership:
Over the course of the decade, three consecutive pro-business Republican presidents:
Warren G. Harding (1920-1923)
Calvin Coolidge (1923-1929)
Herbert Hoover (1929)
Shift towards conservative governance solidifying a departure from progressive reform ideals.
Economic Trends in the 1920s
Overview of economic prosperity:
Rising industrial productivity characterizing the decade.
Transition towards a consumer-oriented society.
Innovations in Industrial Production:
The era marked by the second industrial revolution.
Adoption of mass production methods, including assembly line techniques.
Example: Ford’s production efficiency improved from two weeks per vehicle to approximately 93 minutes by the end of the 1920s.
Consumption Patterns:
Expansion of consumer culture due to excess goods after increases in industrial productivity.
Necessity for businesses to stimulate demand through advertising:
Evolution towards aggressive advertising strategies, utilizing psychological insights on consumer behavior.
Impact of Sigmund Freud’s theories on emotional fulfillment in advertising.
Cultural Trends in the 1920s
Emergence of a new societal culture encouraging hedonism and enjoyment:
Cities became cultural centers fostering nightlife, new social norms, and spending behaviors.
Shift in social and moral behavior, with increased openness about subjects like sex and relationships.
Invention of the term "dating" reflecting changing attitudes toward romantic relationships.
Changing Roles of Women:
The concept of the "new woman" became prominent in the 1920s:
Attributes include confidence, freedom, and breaking societal norms (e.g., shorter hair, casual attire, and use of makeup).
Women's fashion reflected a dramatic shift to looser, more revealing clothing, known as the flapper style dress.
Cultural Backlash Against Modernity
Concerns amid societal changes:
Significant segment of the population in rural areas resisted modern cultural shifts, viewing them as threats to traditional values.
The clash between urban liberalism and rural conservatism was pronounced.
Indicators of Cultural Backlash:
Revival of the Ku Klux Klan during the 1920s, whose agenda encompassed more than racial issues:
Focus on asserting Protestant supremacy and defending traditional American values against perceived moral decline.
Increased membership and mainstream acceptance marked the Klan as a significant political force.
Emergence of Protestant Fundamentalism:
Rising tide of evangelical preachers promoting a literal interpretation of the Bible, opposing modern scientific views, particularly Darwinism.
The Scopes Trial (1925) exemplified this cultural conflict:
John Scopes's arrest for teaching Darwinism leading to national media attention and cultural discourse on the intersection of faith and science.
Conclusion on the 1920s American Society
The 1920s were characterized by cultural clashes between emerging modern values and traditional morals, with ongoing implications in contemporary society.