1. US History Mrs. Housenick 12/5/11
Tensions of the 192os

2. Postwar Economic Downturn
After end of WWI, US suffers major economic downturn
Causes:
End to wartime production, less jobs
As soldiers return home from war want jobs back, many left out of work
Effects:
Women, African-Americans and immigrants fired first
Lots of competition for jobs
Often develops into class and racial tension as groups struggle to get their piece of the pie.

3. Political Scandals President Harding brought much scandal to office
Often ranked worst president in US History
Lots of corruption and bribery
Let friends get away with breaking the law
Teapot Dome Scandal
Worst scandal of Harding’s presidency
Secretary of Interior leased US naval oil reserve to private interest for a bribe.
Destroys Harding’s reputation

4. Labor Unrest Workers very unhappy after war, not afraid to protest
Record number of strikes
Some successful—United Mine Workers strike won wage increases
However, most workers faced harsh opposition from companies, government and public.
Labor unions often accused of spreading communism.
DURING 1920s, UNION MEMBERSHIP DECREASED GREATLY