1. An introduction to…. 1918 - 1939

2. End and Effects of WWI… Desire for security at home & in the world 1920 Election: –Warren G. Harding was elected President –60% of popular vote –Campaign mantra: “America’s present need is not heroics, but healing…’normalcy’ ” QUESTION: What does this quote & election reveal about the American public?

3. Desire for Normalcy leads to… Foreign Policy of Isolationism –U.S. did not join the League of Nations –Decided to reduce naval power –Increased tariffs to discourage foreign trade Laissez Faire Economic Policies –Pro-business policies (ex: built miles of roads to support auto-industry, Ford Motors) –Federal interference with labor protests –Reduced regulation on hours, wages, working conditions –Demobilization – government stops paying companies for war supplies

4. Challenges to “Normalcy”… Legacy of Progressive Reformers –Labor Unions, women, African Americans had all been empowered by Progressives to fight for change Immigrants –Too many immigrants to ignore (over 20 million came between 1880 – 1920) Rise in Popularity of “radical groups” –Anarchists, socialists, & communists wanted radical change The era between WWI and WWII was filled with conflict Between the desire for “normalcy” and the modernization Of the American people.