Social and Cultural Tensions Chapter Seven; Section Three

Focus Questions What was the make-up of society in the 1920s? What is it today? Are the tensions the same or different? How do we view the 16 th, 17 th, 18 th and 19 th Amendments today? Have they been re-interpreted in any way Do we have a ‘Lost Generation’ today that is similar to those of the Harlem Renaissance? Is our society today more modern or more traditional using the definitions of the 1920s?

Why We Study It There was great diversity of income and different ideas about what direction the country should take (sound familiar).

Traditionalism and Modernism Clash More people were living in urban areas than in rural areas. – Changes the dynamics of division, no longer those Antebellum groups, now city vs. country – divide is social and cultural. Urban Americans enjoyed the booming economy: buying consumer products and enjoying leisure activities – embraced change and new ideas; emphasized science and secular values – modernism rather than traditionalism (favoring religious ideas) Rural America was not doing well economically – were more traditionalist

Education Becomes More Important Rural areas – children worked on the farm, large families necessary, education is enough to run the farm. Urban areas – children not put to work, needed to be ‘put’ somewhere – teenagers are born; families not as big, apartments and homes smaller; education seen as a way to get ahead. Job requirements changing, better education more important – more teens graduate high school and go on to college than ever before.

Religious Fundamentalism Grows Some felt Christianity was under siege in world: Communist attack Russian Orthodox Church and Mexican Revolutionists attack Roman Catholic Church in Mexico Fundamentalism grows in America – emphasized Protestant teachings and take the Bible literally and all answers to moral and scientific questions could be found in the Bible – was especially strong in rural America.

Americans Clash Over Evolution Scopes trial in 1925 brings modernists and fundamentalists to the battlefield. Darwinism was at issue – the idea that humans developed gradually from simpler forms of life. Tennessee passed a law making it illegal to teach Darwinism in school. ACLU convinced science teacher John Scopes to challenge the law. He was arrested for teaching evolution in class. Trial was dubbed the ‘Monkey Trial’ by journalists; Clarence Darrow travels from Chicago to defend Scopes; William Jennings Bryan serves as an expert for the prosecution. Scopes is found guilty of breaking the law – fined $100 but nothing settled between the two groups.

Restricting Immigration Nativists feel that immigrants take jobs and threaten American religious, political and cultural traditions. What are reasons given against immigration today?

Nativists Oppose Immigration/ Quota Laws Limit Newcomers Chinese immigration limited, but southern and eastern Europe isn’t until Congress passes (right before WWI) literacy test law – immigrants must be able to read and write in native language. Wilson vetoed, but Congress overrides (does this fit with Progressive ideals?) WWI and Red Scare lead to two new laws: Emergency Quota Act of 1921 and National Origins Act of These establish a quota system for people from certain countries. 2% of the nationality living in the US in 1890 will be allowed as immigrants: 100 Irish in 1890 would mean 2 Irish immigrants would be allowed after 1924.

More Mexicans come North Quota system did not apply to Mexicans. Many who were suffering from 1910 Revolution came and settled in Southwestern US and made great contributions to the economies there. Even with positive contributions, they were discriminated against and face violence and brutality. Competition for jobs with natives was big problem. What problems and discriminations do they face today?

The New Ku Klux Klan Stone Mountain, Georgia, sees a new meeting of the Klan in Not just African Americans, but Jews, Catholics and immigrants (any non-WASP) Many opposed the Klan and their actions – especially the NAACP. Is the Klan still around today? Does it go by a ‘different name/persona’?

Prohibition and Crime In 1917, due to the efforts of many temperance organizations, 75% of Americans lived in ‘dry’ counties. 18 th Amendment was ratified in 1919 – banned the manufacture, distribution and sale of alcohol in the US. – Volstead Act officially enforced the amendment. Prohibition does not stop people from drinking – organized crime increases – many historians have argued that it was the beginning of Americans feeling it was ‘ok’ to break the law. Bootleggers (people who make alcohol) and Speakeasies (places to buy alcohol) become popular with people. Al Capone is most infamous gangster of the time – quote pg. 230.