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Period: to
1920s
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Nativism Resurges
After two men robbed and murdered two employees of a shoe factory, Nicola Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti were arrested. This triggered a general rise in racism and nativism. The newspaper revealed that the two men were anarchists and even though the evidence was questionable, the two men were executed. -
KKK
William J. Simmons founded the new Ku Klux Klan in Georgia in 1915. The Klan however, began to decline in the late 1920s due to scandals and power struggles between its leaders. So president Harding signed the Emergency Quota Act. -
The Farm Crisis
American farmers did not like to share but during the war, the government had urged farmers to produce more to meet the great need for food supplies in Europe. After the war, the output and debt rose. So congress had to pass the Fordney McCumber Act which dramatically raised tariffs. -
The Harlem Renaissance
In Harlem, African American artistic developement, racial pride, and political organization thrived. Louis Armstrong introduced an early form of jazz. He became the first great cornet and trumpet soloist in jazz music. -
The Harding Administration
President Harding staffed his administration with political friends from Ohio. His presidency included many scandals. The most famous scandal was known as the Teapot Dome. -
Trade and Arms Control
The U.S. was the dominant economic power in the world. The majority of Americans were tired of dangerous politics of Europe, so they favored isolationism. Instead of relying on armed forces and the League of Nations, the U.S. tried to promote peace by using arms control agreements. -
A Clash of Cultures
Many people, especially in rural towns, joined a religious movement known as Fundamentalism. In particular, they rejected Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution. John T. Scopes, a teacher in Tennessee, was found guilty and fined $100 for teaching evolution. Back then, Tennessee outlawed any teaching of evolution. -
The Rise of New Industries
Henry Ford made the first working automobile. Ford’s assembly-line was the Model T. Products from the home and the airplane were also invented. This is was responded due to rising disposable income. -
Pop Culture
Motion pictures were being invented. The golden age of Hollywood began when the first “talking” picture—The Jazz Singer— was produced. Entertainment programs were broadcasted over the radio also had a large following during the Jazz Age. Sports were also becoming a big deal, including baseball with Babe Ruth. -
Stock Market Collapse
The American Stock Market collapses, signaling the onset of the Great Depression. It was not the sole cause but it did act to accelerate the global economic collapse. Nearly half of America’s banks had failed and unemployment was approaching.
