Roaring Twenties A desire for normality after the war and a fear of communism and “foreigners” lead to postwar isolationism

Post War Presidents

Postwar Trends Nativism—prejudice against foreign-born people—sweeps nation Isolationism—pulling away from world affairs—becomes popular isolationist1920.pdf

Fear of Communism The Red Scare • Communism—economic, political system, single-party government - ruled by dictator - no private property 1919 Vladimir I. Lenin, Bolsheviks, set up Communist state in Russia

The Red Scare

The Klan Rises Again Bigots use anti-communism to harass groups unlike themselves KKK opposes blacks, Catholics, Jews, immigrants. - 1924, 4.5 million members Klan controls many states’ politics; violence leads to less power

The Klan

The Harding Presidency The Harding administration appeals to America’s desire for calm and peace after the war, but results in scandal.

Scandal Hits Harding’s Administration Harding’s Cabinet Harding favors limited government role in business, social reform Appoints Ohio gang—corrupt friends who cause embarrassment

The Teapot Dome Scandal Teapot Dome scandal—naval oil reserves used for personal gain • Interior Secretary Albert B. Fall leases land to private companies • Takes bribes; is first person convicted of felony while in cabinet • August 1923, Harding dies suddenly • VP Calvin Coolidge assumes presidency, restores faith in government

The Business of America Advertising agencies hire psychologists to learn to appeal to public Make brand names familiar nationwide; push luxuries as necessities Businesspeople work with service groups - promote selves as benefactors of society

A Superficial Prosperity Most Americans believe prosperity will last forever Productivity increasing, businesses expanding Chain stores develop; national banks allowed to create branches

Buying Goods on Credit Installment plan—pay for goods over extended period with interest Banks provide money at low interest rates Some economists, business owners think installment buying excessive Think is sign of fundamental weakness behind superficial prosperity

The Prohibition Experiment 18th Amendment launches Prohibition era - supported by religious groups, rural South, West Prohibition—production, sale, transportation of alcohol illegal • Government does not budget enough money to enforce the law Speakeasies and Bootleggers • Speakeasies (hidden saloons, nightclubs) become fashionable • People distill liquor, buy prescription alcohol, sacramental wine • Bootleggers smuggle alcohol from surrounding countries

Organized Crime Prohibition contributes to organized crime in major cities Al Capone controls Chicago liquor business by killing competitors By mid-1920s, only 19% support Prohibition 18th Amendment in force until 1933; repealed by 21st Amendment

Science and Religion Clash Fundamentalism—movement based on literal interpretation of Bible • Fundamentalists skeptical of some scientific discoveries, theories - reject theory of evolution • Believe all important knowledge can be found in Bible

The Scopes Trial 1925, Tennessee passes law making it a crime to teach evolution • American Civil Liberties Union backs John T. Scopes challenge of law • Clarence Darrow, most famous trial lawyer of day, defends Scopes • Fundamentalist William Jennings Bryan is special prosecutor • Scopes trial—debates evolution, role of science, religion in school - national sensation; thousands attend • Bryan admits Bible open to interpretation; Scopes found guilty

                                                                                                         Attorney Clarence Darrow raises his fist while making a speech at the Scopes Trial (1925).

Popular Culture Radio Comes of Age Radio is most powerful communications medium of 1920s Networks provide shared national experience - can hear news as it happens

Young Women Change the Rules Flapper—emancipated young woman, adopts new fashions, attitudes

America Chases New Heroes and Old Dreams New-Found Leisure Time In 1920s, many people have extra money, leisure time to enjoy it Crowds attend sports events; athletes glorified by mass media Lindbergh’s Flight • Charles A. Lindbergh makes first solo nonstop flight across Atlantic • Small-town Minnesotan symbolizes honesty, bravery in age of excess • Lindbergh paves the way for other pilots

Next Stop “The Great Depression” (But don’t be depressed about it)