Overview
This lecture covers the social, cultural, technological, and economic transformations of 1920s America, highlighting urbanization, Prohibition, technological advancements, social tensions, and the decade's dramatic conclusion with the stock market crash.
Prohibition and Social Change
- The 18th Amendment (Prohibition) made alcohol illegal, but widespread disregard led to the rise of speakeasies and organized crime.
- Prohibition fueled violent gang conflicts and increased murder rates in cities.
- The 1920s were marked by breaking traditions and challenging boundaries in all aspects of life.
Urbanization and Economic Boom
- For the first time in 1920, more Americans lived in cities than rural areas.
- Urban centers like New York drove cultural and economic innovation with iconic districts like Broadway, Madison Avenue, and Wall Street.
- The number of millionaires increased by 400%, reflecting new wealth and lavish lifestyles for some.
The Harlem Renaissance and Cultural Shifts
- Harlem became a cultural center for Black Americans, contributing to music (jazz) and a spirit of pride and activism known as the Harlem Renaissance.
- New York’s diverse communities of immigrants and African Americans shaped a vibrant urban culture.
Technology and Consumerism
- Electrification and automobiles revolutionized daily life, enabling mobility and leisure.
- Massive infrastructure projects (highways, bridges, tunnels) connected the nation.
- Advertising and credit ("buy now, pay later") fueled consumerism, with 75% of household goods bought on credit by the late 1920s.
- Radio transformed national culture by broadcasting news, music, and entertainment to a mass audience.
Changing Social Roles
- The 19th Amendment in 1920 gave women the right to vote, symbolizing growing independence.
- Flappers and vamps represented women challenging traditional norms with new fashions and behaviors.
- Social changes spread from cities to rural America, often causing generational and cultural tensions.
Tradition vs. Modernity
- The 1925 Scopes Trial in Tennessee symbolized the conflict between religious traditionalism and scientific modernity.
- Rapid change led to both excitement for progress and anxiety about losing old values.
Intolerance and Backlash
- The Ku Klux Klan grew to 4 million members, targeting Blacks, Catholics, Jews, and immigrants, and wielded significant political power.
- Lynching and violence were widespread as some resisted modernity and diversity.
Heroes and National Pride
- Sports icons like Babe Ruth became national heroes.
- Charles Lindbergh's 1927 solo transatlantic flight symbolized technological achievement and individual heroism.
- Antarctic exploration furthered the sense of American adventure and optimism.
The Stock Market Crash
- Speculation and lack of regulation led to a stock market bubble.
- The market crashed on October 29, 1929, wiping out billions and ending the decade’s optimism.
- The crash marked the beginning of the Great Depression.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Prohibition — The legal ban on the production, sale, and consumption of alcohol in the U.S. (1920-1933).
- Speakeasy — An illicit bar selling alcohol during Prohibition.
- Flapper — A young woman in the 1920s who defied traditional norms with new fashions and behavior.
- Harlem Renaissance — A cultural movement celebrating Black art, music, and literature in Harlem during the 1920s.
- Scopes Trial — A 1925 trial debating the teaching of evolution in schools, symbolizing the clash between science and religion.
- Ku Klux Klan — A white supremacist group active nationwide in the 1920s, promoting racism and nativism.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Prepare for discussion on causes and impacts of the Great Depression.
- Review key terms and concepts from the 1920s for next class.