A Review of The Roaring Twenties
... increased productivity credit creation of a “national culture” (people across country dress the same and own the same things, etc.) advertising (billboards, commercials on radio, etc.) +Result: Americans stress instant gratification, and success is measured by what an individual consumes. 1. Movies- >before 1900 and WWI, a novelty >silent until 1915 >industry explodes after WWI and moves from New York to Hollywood >democratic (rich and poor people can see) >every town has a theater, called palaces, which were a symbol of modernism >fueled by: rising wages urbanization (theaters in cities) >Charlie Chaplin and Rudolph Valentino become two of the first big movie stars, and men mimic their hair and clothing styles. >causes teen-agers to learn about sex at a younger age >teaches women to close their eyes when they kiss >FILMS CELEBRATED THE NATION AND THE AMERICAN DREAM!!! 2. Radio- >people in urban areas that can’t see movies can listen to the radio, causing it to have a larger overall affect than movies >after WWI, big part of American lives >1920-first radio broadcast >1924-NBC becomes the first radio network. >brought new words into the English language, like static, air waves, and tune-in 3. Advertising- >magazines and newspapers flood markets ***Movies, the radio, and advertising stressed a major theme of the 1920s: modernity and a national culture of consumers, who want the newest, best, and most efficient products!** c. Politics +Republicans dominate House and Presidency, dealing with strikes, etc. and use the platform, “A Return to Normalcy” +Platform Called for: a strong pro-business stance conservative cultural values government + business=growing economy +How To Achieve the “Return to Normalcy”: cut taxes ignore anti-trust laws rich people run gov. ***Main theme of politics in the 1920s: The government and business co-operated together!*** The Dark Side of Modernity (1920-1929) Key Terms: a. Modernists b. Traditionalists c. Scopes Trial d. ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union) e. “New Woman” f. 19th Amendment g. Birth Control h. Nativism i. 1924 Immigration Act j. Prohibition k. KKK Outline: I. Modernists vs. Traditionalists a. Scopes Trial II. New Woman a. flappers b. 19th Amendment c. Birth Control d. ERA (Equal Rights Act) III. Nativism IV. Prohibition V. KKK Notes: Background Info: American history and the world often conflict. People have differing ideas, and these differing ideas change culture, morals, etc. The 1920s represents this scenario, especially the conflict between the modernists and traditionalists. Many people living in cities and are immigrants from Southern Europe. A new consumer culture and new gender rules develop as a result. I. Modernists vs. Traditionalists a. Modernists-ACCEPT CHANGES more educated and Cosmopolitan(better idea of what’s going on) embrace city as symbol of modern society believe change is only way for America to improve believe science is the only way to find truth about life embrace individualism (right to express yourself freely) b. Traditionalists- REJECT CHANGE believe in looking at the past for solutions accept certain truths which “can’t be denied” base beliefs on Bible think individualism is dangerous support tradition hierarchy 1. Scopes Trial- best illustration of Modernists verses Traditionalists Setting: Dayton, TN in 1925, where there is a mass movement in Christians, who believe in strict interpretation of the Bible. Darwin has just developed his Theory of Evolution, which really pisses the traditionalists (most from South) off. They push for state laws that make it illegal for schools to teach Darwinism (TN does). Teacher, Scopes, is arrested, and in response the ACLU is created to protect the civil liberties of America. The American Civil Liberties Union defends Scopes and claims that the state laws banning the teaching are unconstitutional. The trial attracts MAJOR media attention. Main Issue of Trial: Modernity or Traditionalism? Prosecutor- William Jennings Bryan (“Cross of Gold Speech”) claims Scopes can’t teach because Darwin’s theory isn’t true, only the Bible is Defense(ACLU)-brings scientists to present facts Result- Jury takes 8 minutes to declare Scopes guilty. He appeals, but the case is dismissed, due to a technicality. II. “New Woman” +emerges in 1920s +differs from ancestors because she questions women’s role in society(dress, marriage, etc.) +*symbol of modernity* a. flapper *appearance (short hair[looks more like a man], shows off body, wears flashier jewelry) *smokes and cusses(was illegal for women to do both in public prior to 20s) *has pre-marital sex, but usually married the man *show a new individualism Causes for New Woman: during WWI, a lot of women work in factories, and make $ 1920s women get the right to vote women more politically emerged b. birth control (condoms and family planning) >Margaret Sanger spokesperson for birth control and believes women stay in poverty without it. c. ERA(Equal Rights Act)- Many women demand amendment that will give give them equal rights as men, but many also don’t want it. Congress debates and drops it. d. 19th Amendment- Although traditionalists passed laws that made it illegal for women to divorce their husbands(anti-divorce laws) in the 20s, the 19th Amendment finally gave women the right to vote in 1920. II. Nativism (anti-immigrant sentiments) *reaction to immigrants that had arrived in America, since the 1890s *tune to n...