America in the 1920s

How would you define “Normalcy”?

The 1920s were a decade of reaction America felt exhausted by the war Many felt that progressive reforms were too fast and too furious Many wanted a breathing space Return the U.S. to the way it was before the war.

Immediate fears led to high anxiety Red Scare Labor Unrest Spanish Flu

Communists seized power in Russia Executed leading businessmen Established Comintern Sponsored revolution abroad Fear of revolt in the U.S.

Raids by the Bureau of Investigations Sponsored by the Attorney General Rounded up and jailed suspected Communists Targeted labor leaders and socialists Many deported for viewpoints, not actions

Wages had not kept up with inflation Strikes erupted in key areas 3,000 strikes launched in 1919 Steel workers gained an 8-hour day Boston Police went on strike

Public soon turned on the strikers Violated public safety Fear of Communist control Gains soon overturned Steel workers resumed 12-hour days Boston police fired en masse

Unusually deadly flu virus surfaced Worldwide epidemic Struck the U.S. in September million to 100 million died worldwide More than 675,000 Americans died Led to mass concerns in the U.S.

The U.S. became an urban nation Majority lived in cities Major shift in the U.S. Old prejudice against cities Countryside holds virtue, wholesome values Cities are dens of iniquity What direction will the U.S. take?