1. Traditionalism and Modernism
Chapter 29

2. Country in Contrast What does it mean to be a traditionalist?
What does it mean to be a modernist?
“Culture War”
What were / are the characteristics of the two sides?

3. What led to this division in society?
Americans moved to urban areas in staggering numbers
Wages rose while the cost of living remained the same.
Cities offered new ways of thinking and living
Europe was dependent on American crops during WWI – farmers took out loans to meet demand
Demand fell, farmers had surplus crops, could not repay loans
Many farmers lost their land
Rural areas looked upon changes in society with suspicion
“How ya gonna keep ‘em down on the farm after they’ve seen Paree?)

4. Mutual Resentment Each viewed the other in a negative light
T viewed M as money grubbing and immoral
M viewed T as laughably behind the times
Rise in fundamentalism in rural areas – especially in the South
Fast exposure to new ideas through mass media and technology

5. Generations Clash A new youth emerged in the 1920’s
New courtship patterns (p. 372)
New fads
Dance marathons
Flagpole sitting
Young women became “flappers”
Youth rebellion was easy due to the increase in cars, technology, mass media, and aura of change in society
Censorship abounded! Laws were passed! The youth had lost their way!

6. Prohibition http://www. history. com/this-day-in-history. do
Saint Valentine’s Day Massacre
What were the pros and cons of prohibition?
Organized crime evolved – why didn’t the police just shut it down?

7. Clash Over Evolution
What was the difference between the two views (traditionalism v. modernism)?
Darwin v. Creationism
Eugenics
Scopes Trial