Changes in American Society Chapter 22 – Section 2 Changes in American Society

Why was the 18th Amendment (prohibition) seen as a failure? Seemed to encourage organized crime! Speakeasies Bootleggers Al Capone

Ways women’s fashions changed Brighter colors; shorter and looser-fitting dresses; stockings skin-toned instead of black; pumps instead of high laced shoes; hair boyishly short and dyed jet-black instead of long and natural

Two ways women’s social behaviors changed Less traditional socially Less reserved Examples - greater assertiveness, girls asking guys out on dates; smoking and drinking in public more prevalent, that does not mean it was seen as acceptable; dancing with abandon; playing golf; casual dating, meaning no long term relational commitment

Words that describe the attitude reflected by these fashions and behaviors Independent Relaxed Casual Rebellious Youthful Daring Pleasure-loving Assertive

Women’s work opportunities improving More jobs available, including “women’s professions” as well as work once available for just men; huge demand for clerical workers, store clerks, and assembly line workers.

Ways in which women’s home and family life improved A reduced birth rate. Wider availability of ready made clothes and prepared foods. Household labor simplified by social innovations and inventions. Schools and social institutions handled more family tasks, such as looking after children and elderly parents. More free time and more choices. A view of a marriage as an equal partnership. Marriage based on personal choice.

Negative effects that accompanied women’s changing roles in the 1920’s Pressures of juggling work and family responsibilities, especially among working class women. A rising divorce rate. Adolescence rebelliousness. The conflict between traditional attitudes and modern ways of thinking. The double standard. Limited admissions to medical schools. Few managerial jobs. Inequality in the workplace. Lower wages than men earned.

Before the assembly line – 12 hours What is Mass Culture? Mass culture began because of people having the ability to be more mobile than ever before. Before the assembly line – 12 hours After – 1 ½ hours

Mass Culture Continued Movies Radio 1923 Brought baseball games, politics, big band music and singers into the home Silent film before The Jazz Singer, 1927. Action, comedy were the most popular.

Scopes Trial Scopes Situation – In 1925 John Scopes was accused of teaching the theory of evolution to students! Reaction – Lawyer William Jennings Bryan vs. Clarence Darrow / modern, urban Americans vs. traditional, rural Americans. Result - Scopes was convicted and lost his job as a teacher. Darrow Bryan

Racial Conflict Large amounts of African-Americans left the South for more opportunity in the Northern cities, and West. Unfortunately not all people in these cities welcomed their new neighbors.