US History Mrs. Housenick 12/5/11 Tensions of the 192os

Postwar Economic Downturn After end of WWI, US suffers major economic downturn Causes: End to wartime production, less jobs As soldiers return home from war want jobs back, many left out of work Effects: Women, African-Americans and immigrants fired first Lots of competition for jobs Often develops into class and racial tension as groups struggle to get their piece of the pie.

Political Scandals President Harding brought much scandal to office Often ranked worst president in US History Lots of corruption and bribery Let friends get away with breaking the law Teapot Dome Scandal Worst scandal of Harding’s presidency Secretary of Interior leased US naval oil reserve to private interest for a bribe. Destroys Harding’s reputation

Labor Unrest Workers very unhappy after war, not afraid to protest Record number of strikes Some successful—United Mine Workers strike won wage increases However, most workers faced harsh opposition from companies, government and public. Labor unions often accused of spreading communism. DURING 1920s, UNION MEMBERSHIP DECREASED GREATLY