Fear of CommunismFear of Communism

Nativism and Fear of Communism – Nativism and Fear of Communism – 1. Violation of rights- Palmer often had very little evidence on his “suspects” and often violated basic American rights of people, such as freedom of speech and being accused of wrongful deeds on strong evidence.

2. American’s had a growing fear of everything foreign, because many felt that their morals and behaviors would undermine America and destroy the country. The backdrop of the “Red Scare” created an environment of mistrust of foreigners that in this event became scapegoating.

3. Due to the Great Migration and threats of foreigners, the KKK felt they needed to get involved to help preserve 100% Americanism. Believing in white supremacy, they also added Jews, immigrants, and Communists to their hate list. Their goal was to restrict the movement of these people into the country, and restrict the rights of those already here.

Nativist FearsNativist Fears

1. A high school teacher, John Scopes, taught his students about Darwin’s theory of evolution. THE SCOPES TRIAL

•The state of Tennessee brought a suit against John Scopes for violation of the Butler Law saying this was illegal.

•The trial brought to the surface divisions between urban (modern) and rural (fundamentalist) ways.

Cultural Divisions in AmericaCultural Divisions in America

•Scopes was found guilty and fined $100

•The verdict was seen as a victory for morality and a reaction against the “immoral” urban lifestyle

2. This became a fight between the Christian fundamentalists and modern scientific driven lifestyles.

Country Bumpkins vs. City Slickers

3. Harlem Renaissance- A movement in which African-Americans gained recognition for their talents in the arts, literature, and music. This allowed them to express their beliefs on the quality of their lives in America. Langston Hughes was one of the most notable participants in this re-birth.

So why are we talking about it under the theme of divisions in American society?

The roles of women were redefined during the 1920s.

This birth of a “new woman” was the focus of intense social and cultural controversy.

Changing Roles of WomenChanging Roles of Women

The Rebellious Flappers and Societal Changes – Discovery Education

2. Women took on a larger role in the new Industrialized economy, taking jobs that allowed them to support their desire for independence.

3. The “Old” and “New” Woman

= OLD WAYS

Dependent

Conventional

Unmotivated

Simple

Serious

Ignorant

Restricted

Submissive

Plain

Independent

Wild

Ambitious

Adventurous

Fun-loving

Intelligent

Free

Assertive

“Made up”

= New Ways

The Prohibition EraThe Prohibition Era

1. A symbol of the failure of the “Noble Experiment” was the rise of underground means of continuing previous behaviors. A mindset existed that the law was to clean up “other” parts of society. Exposed weaknesses in the scope of the Progressive movement.

Prohibition Era

2. “Businessmen” like Al Capone saw great opportunity in supplying the demand for alcohol that still existed. Crime, corruption, and greed followed the desire these Crime bosses had for wealth and power.

3. Many unintended results were created by the Prohibition Era. Besides an increase in crime and corruption, the goal of improving the moral standards of our country was completely unfulfilled.

The Consumer EconomyThe Consumer EconomyConsumer Economy

Republican ideals of “pro-business” government, including tax cuts for the wealthly, generated a trickle down effect in the economy.

The average wage of workers rose, as did their overall buying power due to an increase in the availability of credit.

Welfare capitalism provided benefits to the average workers unseen in previous generations. (Pensions, profit sharing, workers compensation.)

“A CHICKEN IN EVERY POT AND A CAR IN EVERY GARAGE.”

-Herbert Hoover campaign promise

“THE CHIEF BUSINESS OF THE AMERICAN PEOPLE IS BUSINESS.”

-Calvin Coolidge

REPUBLICAN FORMULA FOR SUCCESS

INDIVIDUAL AMERICANS

AMERICAN BUSINESSES

HIGHER WAGES

+

HIGHER PROFITS

+

LOWER TAXES

+

LOWER TAXES

+

HIGHER CREDIT CEILING

=

HIGHER TARIFFS

=

Over speculation on the stock market, through margin buying, lifted stock prices to unnatural highs.

Credit buying encouraged people to purchase goods they could not really afford.

This Superficial lifestyle caused many to become disillusioned with the changes in America. The Lost Generation of 1920s writers wrote tales of the mockery America was making of herself.

The Stock Market CrashThe Stock Market Crash

The Superficial prosperity of the 1920s was largely the result of the live for the moment mentality that came with these ever changing times. Warning signs were either unseen or ignored as many people bought into the notion of “Everybody outta be rich!”