After the War and into the 20’s!

US History

At Home…• At home there was a

problem with demobilization, or going from Guns to Butter.

• The gov’t spent a lot during war, so inflation skyrocketed and the cost of living doubled.

• Businesses were hurt because people couldn’t afford to buy new products.

Strikes• Strikes became common

after WWI.• Examples: Boston Police

Strike, the Seattle Shipyard, the Coal Strike.

• The strikes were usually broken up by state militias.

• With all these strikes, people were fearing a Communist revolution like the one that had just happened in Russia.

Fear of Communism

• People were very worried about communism.

• It even went as far as the Palmer Raids.

• Palmer Raids tried to find immigrants who they could accuse and being communist and deport them.

Racism

• When white soldiers came home from war, they found they would have to compete for jobs with African Americans.

• Race riots would break out in major cities.

• Organizations like the KKK (Ku Klux Klan) would gain power.

Amendments

• Prohibition was passed with the 18th Amendment.

• Women would gain the right to vote with the 19th Amendment.

Problems in the 20’s

• Many people were without jobs.

• Prices were starting to rise.

• There was a growing fear of Communism which led to violence.

• Technological Unemployment: jobs lost when technology replaces certain duties.

Economic Problems

• Many soldiers coming back from war could not find jobs.

• Businesses and factories couldn’t keep up with a demand for goods.

• Workers demand high pay and many went on strike.

• Prices rose quickly causing INFLATION: decline in money’s value resulting in

increased prices.

Growing Fears• Workers who went on strike were often believed

to be Communists.• Communists had taken control of Russia in

1917.• Communists believe that the gov’t should control

business and land.• US gov’t arrest 6,000 in 1920.• Hundreds were deported.• People believed immigrants were taking jobs.• 1921: Gov’t restricts immigration and the door

will be almost closed to foreigners.

The Great Migration

• Between 1910 and 1930 more than 2 million African Americans moved North to cities like NY, Chicago, Philly, Detriot.

• They left because: 1) Many were sharecroppers that had to pay for the right to farm lands 2) The South was hit by floods and drought 3) Segregation forced blacks to use separate schools, restaurants, restroom, etc. 4) African Americans could earn higher pay.

Violence • The KKK was still growing in numbers.• This white supremacist group continued to

spread fear among blacks.• The KKK consisted of white men in robes and

hoods who frightened and killed blacks.• Blacks formed their own groups to increase

racial pride. They created churches of their own, social clubs like the NAACP, and businesses and colleges.

• Some African Americans wanted to build a new homeland in Africa.