The 1920s

Why did americans fear radicalism in the 1920s?

During World War I, a fervent patriotism was prevalent in the country, spurred by propaganda. While American boys were fighting the "Huns" abroad, many Americans fought them at home. Anyone who wasn't as patriotic as possible--conscientious objectors, draft dodgers, "slackers," German-Americans, immigrants, Communists--was suspect. It was out of this patriotism that the Red Scare took hold. To some Americans, this was a time of uncertainty and fear over the prospects of an anarchist, socialist or communist revolution in the United States. Although the Red Scare faded quickly after 1920, it strengthened the widespread belief in a strong connection between foreigners and radicalism.

What led to the development of mass culture in the 1920s?

Many of the defining features of modern American culture emerged during the 1920s. The record chart, the book club, the radio, the talking picture, and spectator sports all became popular forms of mass entertainment. But the 1920s primarily stand out as one of the most important periods in American cultural history because the decade produced a generation of artists, musicians, and writers who were among the most innovative and creative in the country's history.

How did lifestyles of women remain the same in the 1920s?

Older people, religious people, and poorer people did not experience these changes. For the most part, the changes that women experienced were in cities and urban areas, not rural or farm areas. Many women still had responsibility for children and home.

How did fear of radicalism affect the United States?

Radicalism increased the feeling of isolationism and nativism, and prompted people to consider the "old days" pre-WWI as a time when life was best int eh United States. This desire to return to a better time created a fertile environment for Prohibition, the desire to limit immigration, an increase in patriotism, and an end to labor problems and racial strife. People desired a return to christian values, and less government interference in their lives. By the 1920s, many Americans had grown tired of war and constant attempts at reform, including numerous attempts to pass moral legislation. Many people longed for a simpler way of life. Warren G. Harding's policy of a "return to normalcy" was an attempt to capitalize on this populist feeling.

What led to a flowering of the arts and entertainment in the 1920s?

The 1920s saw a restless culture, spearheaded by America's youth rebelling against the moral restrictions of past generations. They challenged traditional notions of proper behavior. Buoyed by the decade's prosperity, young people threw raucous parties, drank illegal liquor, and danced new, sexually suggestive steps at jazz clubs. The 1920s saw the growth of popular recreation, in part because of higher wages and increased leisure time. Just as automobiles were mass-produced, so was recreation during the 1920s. Radio, magazines, movies, and professional sports became popular ways to spend time.

How did schools change in the 1920s?

The progressive movement in education, spearheaded by John Dewey, took hold. Schools became bigger, with fewer one room schoolhouses, and began to educate more women and blacks. American businesses rallied for new schools and increased access to education. They wanted the government to encourage education, especially the high schools, as all the skilled labor required for business came from the education system in the country run by the government and the purpose of many schools became to produce students who were capable and skilled to become factory workers.

How did lifestyles of women change in the 1920s?

Women becomes increasingly independent. They had worked on farms and in factories during the War and were used to having responsibility and jobs. Their clothing grew more revealing and cut (bobbed) hair became popular, as did more makeup and jewelry. Women also began drinking and smoking in public, and it was acceptable for women to be seen in a restaurant. Flappers and all they symbolized became popular. Women were grated the right to vote int he US, which was a major step towards equality.

How did the Harlem Renaissance affect American society?

Writers, actors, artists, and musicians glorified African American traditions, and at the same time created new ones. Poets such as Langston Hughes and Claude Mackay, and writers like Zora Neale Hurston, had an impact on all of American culture. No aspect of the Harlem Renaissance shaped America and the entire world as much as jazz. The Harlem Renaissance changed the stereotype of African Americans and highlighted artistic and intellectual efforts.