Chapter 25, Section 2: New Ways of Life Main Idea: New ideas and products and a new popular culture changed the values and customs of Americans during the 1920s.
Rise of Organized Crime A. Prohibition Prohibition - ban on making, selling, & transporting alcohol anywhere in the U.S. (18th Amend.) – the “Noble Experiment” Women’s groups (WCTU) had been working to ban alcohol for a century. They believed it caused many of society’s problems. Evading the Law Prohibition failed because people found ways to get around it. People made it illegally at home – homemade stills, “bathtub gin” Bootleggers - smuggled liquor in from Canada & the Caribbean Speak-easies - illegal bars that required a password to get in The government sent out agents to enforce the ban – “g-men” Rise of Organized Crime Gangsters - Prohibition led to a sharp rise in organized crime. They supplied liquor to speakeasies – Al Capone in Chicago. Repeal of Prohibition Gradually, Americans realized Prohibition was a mistake. People didn’t respect the law & courts were clogged with cases. In 1933, the 21st Amendment repealed the 18th (only one).
The Noble Experiment The Eighteenth Amendment (1920) banned the making or selling of alcohol, which became known as prohibition.
Why did prohibition fail? · Some made their own illegal liquor known as moonshine.
Why did prohibition fail? Apprehension of a Rum Runner · Bootleggers smuggled in liquor from Canada and the Caribbean. Apprehension of a Rum Runner Rum runner with contraband stacked on deck 1924
Why did prohibition fail? · Speakeasies, or illegal bars, opened throughout the nation. Bartender's would often tell patrons to keep it down and "speak easy".
Why did prohibition fail? · It encouraged gangsters, such as Al Capone, to smuggle liquor.
Prohibition Volstead Act untouchables Gangsters 18th Amendment Al Capone Elliot Ness
· The Twenty-first Amendment repealed prohibition in 1933.
An Equal Rights Amendment Changes for Working Women B. New Rights for Women Women win the right to vote in 1920 with the 19th Amendment. Women Voters Warren Harding is 1st President elected by both men & women. Women were split between Democrat & Republican (many voted the same way their husbands did) & many didn’t vote at all. Carrie Chapman Catt founded the League of Women Voters Educated voters & protected other women’s rights, like serving on juries 1st women governors – Nellie Ross (WY) & Miriam Ferguson (TX) An Equal Rights Amendment Alice Paul called for an amendment that would protect women’s legal rights, called the Equal Rights Amendment. This would prevent discrimination based on gender & promote equality. It was proposed in 1923, eventually passed in 1977, but was never ratified Changes for Working Women WWI caused thousands of women to work outside the home for first time, but many lost their jobs when soldiers returned home. Those who had jobs were often expected to do all the house work, too!
C. Impact of the Automobile The automobile played a significant role in the business boom of the 1920s (the “ripple effect,” part 2: 1800s – train; 1900s – car). Affordable Cars Henry Ford’s Model T cost $290 in 1924 (down from $850), which meant the average American could afford it (not just rich) The assembly line allowed cars to be made more quickly (efficient) & cheaply (supply & demand). Assembly - Before: 14 hrs.; After: 1 ½ hrs. GM followed suit & surpassed Ford in sales by 1927, because they offered different colors. Ford responded with the Model A in other colors. Economic Effects ripple effect- popularity of car led to growth in other industries: steel, oil, glass, rubber, paint, gas stations, motels, restaurants Social Effects Cars led to the rise of suburbs. People could now live further from work, school, shopping, etc. Things now seemed much closer than before due to faster travel.
Model T & Assembly Line
Model-T 1909 - $850 1916 - $360 1924 - $290
Model T Automobile Henry Ford I want to pay my workers so that they can afford my product!
The following industries grew as a result of the booming car industry hotels & motels garages & gas stations Law enforcement rubber steel The following industries grew as a result of the booming car industry restaurants & diners oil car dealerships glass construction (roads and bridges) paint housing (as the suburbs grew)
· In the 1920’s, the American car culture developed. - people easily traveled out of the cities into the country - suburbs grew as people moved from the cities As cars got less expensive and people had more free time, many people started to take car camping vacations.
D. Creating a Mass Culture Radio First radio station was KDKA, out of Pittsburgh in 1920 Over 10 million homes had a radio by 1929 Families would gather around the radio in the evening to listen to their programs: comedies, westerns, mysteries, news, sports, soap operas, & music : classical, jazz, etc. The Movies Hollywood became movie capital of world due to warm climate. Millions went each week to watch their favorite stars perform in westerns, romances, adventures, and comedies. 1st movies had no sound. Audiences had to read cue cards at the bottom of the screen will a pianist played the sound track. Silent pictures starred heroes like Rudolph Valentino (The Sheik), Tom Mix, Clara Bow (The “It” Girl), & Charlie Chaplin (“The Little Tramp”). The Jazz Singer, starring Al Jolson, was the first “talkie” (1927). After that, silent films died off & all new movies had sound.
Listen to Amos and Andy radio shows from 1929. · Radios also became very popular during the 1920’s as families gathered around the radio to listen to music, comedies, and mysteries.