Introduction to the “Roaring Twenties”

Objective Following the lesson, SWBAT… understands significant events, social issues, and individuals of the 1920s

5 Results of WWI

Adjusting to Peace: Americans returned to policy of isolationism Factories used for military production & farmers lost their markets in Europe --- led to economic recession ( )

The Red Scare Russia had been ill-prepared for war – In 1917 mutinies led to overthrow of tsar Communists threatened to spread their revolution around the world Wave of strikes in 1919 led to Red Scare: atmosphere of panic surrounding communism in the U.S.

Red Scare Events Palmer Raids – Italian anarchist set off bomb outside home of Attorney General Mitchell Palmer – One of a series of attacks against political officials in 8 cities – Palmer convinced that a radical plot to overthrow gov’t was underway – Palmer ordered round-up of 4,000 suspects in several cities w/o a warrant – His assistant J. Edgar Hoover directed raids – Most later released, 600 deported

Red Scare Events Sacco and Vanzetti Case – 2 Italian immigrants convicted of committing murder during a robbery – Robbery allegedly committed to obtain funds for anarchist revolution – Not sufficient evidence to convict – Found guilty and both executed

Harding Administration Warren Harding elected President by a landslide in 1920 “return to normalcy” – campaign slogan Under Harding: – U.S. refused to join League of Nations – Enacted high tariffs – Lowered taxes – Restricted immigration

Harding Administration Harding resisted anti-Semitism Signed an act creating child health care centers Pursued arms reduction by supporting U.S. membership in the World Court

Harding Administration Serious weakness: – Appointed personal friends (the Ohio gang); were dishonest Teapot Dome Scandal – Secretary of Interior leased oil-rich lands at Teapot Dome, Wyoming to 2 business friends in exchange for personal bribes – One of the worst scandals in U.S. history

Harding Administration More poor choices… – Another appointment, Charles Forbes stole millions from the construction of hospitals for returning war veterans – These scandals have left a lasting stain on his reputation

Coolidge Administration Harding’s VP Took over when Harding died; elected to another term in 1924 Symbolized old-fashioned values Known as “Silent Cal” – spoke so infrequently in public

Hoover Administration Skilled engineer and self-made millionaire Secretary of Commerce under President Coolidge Predicted end of poverty if he was elected Did not want too much government interference “Rugged Individualism”: system where individuals were given equal opportunities, a free education, and a will to succeed – spurred progress.