The Tumultuous 1920s

The New Era: 1920s The business of America and the consumer economy. Republican politics: Harding, Coolidge, and Hoover The culture of Modernism: science, the arts, and entertainment Responses to Modernism: religious fundamentalism, nativism, and Prohibition The ongoing struggle for equality: African Americans and women

I. Pro-Business Republican Administrations Progressive reform ended. Americans became more comfortable with big business. Role of the government- Labor Unions – Conservative economic policy ruled the day.

II. Modern Culture By the end of the decade, most middle class families could afford an automobile. This led to the rise of the suburbs and forced the quick development of roads.

Radio became a necessity for American homes and coincided with the increase in modern advertising. Consumerism led to more women entering the workforce.

Reflecting increased leisure time, movies and sports grew in popularity.

In New York City, a flourishing of African-American culture called the Harlem Renaissance took place. Part of this was the development of jazz. The decade became known as the jazz age.

III. Backlash Against Modern Culture The Ku Klux Klan’s membership grew to over 5 million. U.S. Population in 1929 – 100 million The Klan expanded their hate to include immigrants, Catholics, and Jews

IV. Backlash Against Immigrants Sacco and Vanzetti, two Italian immigrant anarchists were charged with murder, convicted and executed. This reflected the anti-immigrant sentiment of the era. Emergency Quota Act of 1924.

V. Scopes Trial John Scopes intentionally violated the anti-evolution law in Tennessee. Clarence Darrow vs. William Jennings Bryan Reflected the tensions of the time period.