Fear in the 1920s This portion of the unit focuses on how fear manifested in the U.S. after WWI in ways other than the “Red Scare”.

Instructions Use the slides to complete your guided notes up to, but not including, “Objective 2: Restoring Peace and Normalcy”. When you come to the links, watch each video with headphones (if possible). When you are finished with this portion of the activity, read “Unearthing a Riot” and answer the corresponding questions. You were given these readings during a prior class. Submit the questions from the reading once you’ve completed them.

Rise of the KKK 100% Americanism White male native born gentile citizens 4.5. million members by 1924 Destroyed saloons, attacked immigrants, Jews, Catholics, blacks Dominated state politics

Tulsa Race Riot (1921) Rowland (black man) entered elevator with Sarah Page (white woman) Scream was heard in elevator- Rowland runs What actually happened is unclear- Regardless, what was Rowland accused of? “Lynch justice” vs. blacks fighting to protect Rowland Massive riot ensued- National Guard puts down

Rosewood Massacre (1923) Rumor that a black man had assaulted a white woman in nearby town A group of white men went to Rosewood and burned down the house where they believed the suspects were hiding White mob in Rosewood went on a hunt for blacks Rosewood was a town primarily inhabited by black residents Citizens hid in nearby swamps and forests while whites burned houses, etc. Survivors fled the town and never returned- only two buildings were left standing Local police made no arrests

Unions and Strikes What would happen to laborers if they went on strike during WWI? After war, 4 million workers participated in 3000 strikes Framed as “commies” Boston Police Strike- 1919 No raise since before war- no unionization Coolidge (MA governor) hired National Guard Force “threatened public safety”- could not return to work “Saved Boston” from communism and anarchy Future VP of Harding in 1920; Future president

Unions and Strikes Steel Mill Strike- 1919 Wanted shorter hours, living wage, recognition of union and collective bargaining U.S. Steel Corp. refused to meet w/ union reps- 300,000 strikers Strike breakers hired; Force used; Linked to “communism” **Report came out in 1923 about harsh conditions- public appalled and steel workers received improvements Still, immediate reaction = FEAR

Unions and Strikes Labor movement loses appeal Increased tension and link to communism Union membership declines 5 mill to 3.5 mill Immigrants willing to work in conditions Unions had difficulty organizing (i.e. diff’t languages) Excluded blacks Ex-farmers did not rely on unions

Conclusion Fear after war = ? Nativism Fear of communism Rise of terror groups Decline of labor strikes Country wants calm and peace- anything else is a threat

Postwar America What did Americans fear during and after WWI? This leads to desire for conformity and stabilization Lack of support for unionization Threatened “normalcy” – too much tension Nativism Feared the “outsider”- prejudice against foreigners swept nation Isolationism Pull away from involvement in foreign affairs At a department store, union members were not allowed to recruit other employees with pamphlets. Would be fired. Instead, they would do so using toilet paper (private communication)