South Carolina after WWI

Electricity Electricity changed daily life in homes by adding lights and appliances to these homes. Electricity changed transportation in South Carolina with the addition of the trolley.

Agriculture Before World War I, cotton production had increased as well as the production of tobacco, oats, corn, and hay. After World War I, farm prices fell, and the demand for American agriculture decreased. European countries that had been dependent on American farm products during the war were able to produce their own and no longer needed to buy from America. The boll weevil destroyed cotton crops. Cotton farmers had to stop growing cotton and find another crop to grow. Many of these farmers began raising livestock.

Boll Weevil A small beetle that feeds off the cotton boll began infesting the cotton crop in South Carolina during WWI At the time, no effective treatment existed to kill them Typically, they were responsible for destroying 50% of cotton production in a year. Cotton farmers had to stop growing cotton and find other crops to raise. Some farmers began raising peaches. Some farmers began raising livestock instead such as dairy cows, turkeys, and chickens. Some farmers even began beekeeping and making honey. Other farmers began raising tobacco.

Politics The key issue for South Carolina governors during the 1920s was economic depression.

Values The social and cultural changes of the 1920s was considered a “clash of values” when people rebelled against what was considered acceptable behavior. Most South Carolinians remained “conservative”

Rise of Mass Media The circulation of newspapers, magazines, and radio programs ended the isolation feeling of rural areas People began to have immediate access to news from all over the world as it happened Businesses began to use mass media to advertise Mass media allowed art and music to thrive during this period of time.

Increase in Tourism and Recreation With the invention of the automobile, travel became easier. Since people could travel to other locations faster, they began to take day trips, weekend getaways, and vacations. Tourism and recreation picked up in South Carolina especially along the Grand Strand and Charleston area.

Southern Literary Renaissance During the Progressive Movement, southern writers experienced a lot of popularity. As people developed more confidence in themselves, they wanted to participate in things considered high culture. This included reading good literature. South Carolina authors during this time experienced success. Julia Peterkin won Pulitzer Prize. Dubose Heyward wrote Porgy

Revival of the Ku Klux Klan After World War I, cultural groups suffered problems with race and different ethnic groups. Southern whites became more afraid of anyone who was “different.” They believed these “different” people would take away their jobs or destroy their southern way of life. This led to the revival of the Ku Klux Klan who began to target not only African Americans but also Jews, Catholics, bootleggers, and immigrants. Klansmen often kidnapped people and beat them severely. Lynching during this period of time was associated with the Klan but no one would testify against them.