THE ROARING 20S AND THE
GREAT DEPRESSION
FLAPPERS TO THE “CRASH”
VIDEO SUMMARY OF 1920S 32:00
SCIENTIFIC INNOVATIONS AND CULTURAL CHANGE
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In 1920, due in large part to block voting by women and the Treaty of Versailles issue,
Republican Warren G. Harding was elected president of the US.
His campaign was based on a “return to normalcy”.
• NEW SCIENTIFIC IDEAS AND DISCOVERIES
1. Charles Darwin’s Theory of Evolution gained a lot of support. Many started questioning
the validity of the Bible..
2. Albert Einstein published his “theory of relativity”. “Space, time and mass were relative
not absolute and were effected by other factors”.
3. As a result of this and other findings, people began to question the absolutes in society.–
“personal responsibility”, “right and wrong”, and “civilized v. uncivilized”.
• NEW TECHNOLOGY
1. Mass production by virtue of the assembly line. Led to “consumerism”.
2. The car Model T—Tin Lizzy
3. The radio—Marconi
4. Appliances: refrigerator, washing machine, gas stove, vacuum cleaner, electric fan,
sewing machine, etc.
5. Entertainment: Nightlife, movies, Hollywood, Broadway
THE NEW CONSUMERISM
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Because manufacturers were making products at a lower cost, they could sell
them at a lower cost…advertisers had to convince consumers that certain
products were no longer wants but were needs.
Banks and Finance Companies began offering installment plans (loans with a
fixed monthly payments).
People now could buy expensive items like cars and appliances.
The US became a consumer society.
Status was based on what you owned, conspicuous consumption was the style,
saving money was secondary.
The consumer’s debt increased.
• WOMEN IN THE 1920S
The woman’s place in society changed dramatically in the 1920s.
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Right to vote.
Important part of the workforce.
Lending laws changed.
Dress and behavior– hemlines got higher, hair got shorter, “flappers”.
Smoked in public, went to nightclubs un-chaperoned!
INTELLECTUAL RESPONSES TO THE ’20s
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The 1920s was a period of unparalleled prosperity.
But there were some who were disturbed about the changes.
“LOST GENERATION” AUTHORS:
These were authors who felt lost and out of touch in the new society.
1. Sinclair Lewis– criticized society. Main Street, Elmer Gantry. He was the 1st
American to win the Nobel Prize for Literature.
2. F. Scott Fitzgerald– The Great Gatsby
3. Ernest Hemingway– The Sun Also Rises
HARLEM RENAISSANCE:
1. Langston Hughes– “Shakespeare in Harlem”
2. Zora Neal Hurston– The Eyes were Watching God
BIRTH OF THE JAZZ AGE:
1. Centered in Harlem, New Orleans, Memphis and Chicago.
2. Louis Armstrong– trumpet
3. “The Charleston, the Big Apple”
AFRICAN-AMERICAN POLITICAL/SOCIAL MOVEMENTS
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DUE TO THE DEMAND FOR SOLDIERS DURING WW1 MANY FACTORY JOBS IN THE NORTH
OPENED.
THE MIGRATION NORTH BY SOUTHERN BLACKS STARTED IN THE 1890S BUT IT PEAKED
DURING THE LATE 19TEENS AND 1920S.
IT WAS KNOWN AS THE “GREAT MIGRATION”
AS THEIR NUMBERS INCREASED SO DID BLACK POLITICAL POWER—1928 OSCAR DEPRIEST
BECAME THE FIRST BLACK MEMBER OF CONGRESS SINCE 1901. (R-ILL)
1920S SAW AN INCREASE IN MEMBERSHIP IN THE NAACP.
MARCUS GARVEY FORMED THE UNITED NEGRO IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION—
EMPHASIZED BLACK CULTURE AND A “BACK TO AFRICA” MOVEMENT.
• SOCIAL CONFLICTS OF THE 1920S
1. THE “RED SCARE” AND IMMIGRATION
THE COMMUNIST TAKEOVER IN RUSSIA ALARMED MANY AMERICAN BUSINESS AND
POLITICAL LEADERS.
THIS FEAR LED TO THE “RED SCARE”.
– The assassination attempts on the Sec. of State and John D. Rockefeller were blamed
on Communists.
– This led to the “Palmer Raids”—subversives and Communists.
RED SCARE AND XENOPHOBIA continued
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Most of the people arrest in the Palmer Raids were immigrants.
This association of immigrants and subversives led to the trial of Nicola Sacco and
Bartolomeo Vanzetti.
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They were accused of murder, there was a lack of evidence but there was a suspicion
of anarchy and as result they were found guilty and executed.
2. IMMIGRATION RESTRICTIONS:
– A 4th rise of nativism developed. (1820s, 1850s, 1890s and 1920s)
– Immigration quotas and later immigration bans were passed on Eastern Europeans
and Asians.
– Hispanics became the fastest growing immigrant group.
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3. Fear of Communism and the distrust of immigrants gave way to a new KKK.
– Immigrants, Catholics, Jews and Blacks were targets of KKK intimidation.—cross
burnings, hate letters,” lynchings” and threats to employers who hired these people.
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4. PROHIBITION:
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18th Amendment– Volstead Act.– NOBLE EXPERIMENT—21ST repealed it
Bootleggers
Speakeasies
The Mafia– Al Capone
Social conflicts continued:
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THE SCOPES “MONKEY TRIAL”
Challenges to traditional beliefs and religion due to scientific discovery and the
savagery of WW1 led to a short rise in fundamentalism during the 1920s.
1925 John Scopes was put on trial for violating Tennessee’s anti-evolution law.
Prosecutor– William Jennings Bryan
Defense– Clarence Darrow
• THE CALM BEFORE THE STORM
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Under President Harding the Teapot Dome scandal rocked America.
After returning from a trip to Alaska in 1923, Harding died. His VP Calvin “Silent
Cal” Coolidge took over.
His reassuring manner calmed America down.
“The business of America is business”.
The American economy continued to grow and prosper. But credit spending was
increasing at an alarming rate, stock speculation was rising and “buying on
margin” [buying stock with borrowed money] was at an all time high
FARMERS IN THE 1920S
• 1. During the WW1 years farmers did well because of the high demand for food
products.
• But over-production made farm prices drop dramatically in the 1920s.
• Every farm relief bill passed by Congress was vetoed by Coolidge.
• He viewed the farm aid bills unconstitutional. Many went bankrupt.
• Farmers in the South and Midwest over farmed their land and it had disastrous
effects on the environment.
• In the South soil erosion ruined 1000s of square miles of land. [kudzu was
introduced]
• In the Midwest the erosion was so bad that in the 1930s a drought created the “Dust
Bowl”. Many places in the Great Plains became inhabitable. It caused a migration of
people from Oklahoma, Arkansas and Kansas to California. “Okies”.
• THE ELECTION OF HERBERT HOOVER
• 1929 Republican Herbert Hoover defeated Democrat Al Smith for the presidency.
Hoover promised to continue Coolidge’s laissez-faire policies, and to eliminate
poverty.
• October 29, 1929 “Black Tuesday”– the stock market collapsed.
• Banks had to call in loans, people who had bought on margin, 1000s of
speculators lost everything. This started the GREAT DEPRESSION.
CAUSES OF THE GREAT DEPRESSION
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• IMMEDIATE CAUSES
• (LED TO COLLAPSE OF THE STOCK MARKET)
1. BANK OF ENGLAND RAISED INTEREST RATES AND CALLED IN ALL DEBT.
2. FED RAISED INTEREST RATES, BANKS FOLLOWED, MANY CALLED IN DEBT.
• LONG-TERM CAUSES
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1. BANK RUNS LED TO SMALL BANKS DECLARING BANKRUPTCY (11,000 BY
1932).
2. DECLINE IN THE FARM MARKET.
3. DECLINE IN FOREIGN TRADE.
4. TECHNOLOGICAL UNEMPLOYMENT (25% BY 1932)
5. TOO EASY OF CREDIT, DEFAULTED LOANS.
6. UNEVEN DISTRIBUTION OF THE WEALTH, 3% OF THE POPULATION
CONTROLLED 95% OF THE NATION’S WEALTH.
7. OVER-SPECULATION ON THE STOCK MARKET, TOO MUCH BUYING-ONMARGIN.
BEGINNINGS OF GREAT DEPRESSION
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After the stock market crashed, the economy of the US and the world collapsed.
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Bank runs
People stopped investing in the stock market
Wealthy families lost everything
Unemployment reached 25%
Millions were homeless.
Churches and charities opened up soup kitchens and bread lines.
Homeless people moved to the big cities and built cardboard shanties called
“Hoovervilles”. President Hoover ordered the army to destroy a “Hooverville” built
by WW1 vets who never received their Bonus Pension from the war in Washington,
DC. Many were killed.
President Hoover’s reputation was ruined.
Hoover claimed the business cycle would cure the problem and offered little
government help to aid the unemployed.
• ELECTION OF 1932
Franklin Roosevelt defeated Hoover by a wide margin.
He told us,” the only thing we have to fear is fear itself”.
FDR stated that it would take government action to get us out of the Depression.
“100 DAYS”
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FDR argued direct government assistance was needed. He called his program the
NEW DEAL. “Relief, recovery and Reform” (3R’s)
He declared a “Bank Holiday” to stop bank runs.
In is first 100 days in office FDR pushed through Congress many programs .
• 1st NEW DEAL PROGRAMS:
Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC)—provided jobs for unmarried men between
17-23. Worked in National Parks, built fire towers, rural electrification, and
planted trees in areas of deforestation.
Agricultural Adjustment Act (AAA)– government loans to farmers and paid
farmers not grow certain crops in order to increase prices.
Glass-Steagall Banking Act– Created the FDIC an insurance policy for savings
account deposits up to $100,000 in the case of bank failure. Passed to stop bank
runs. Federal Depository Insurance Corporation
National Industrial Recovery Act (NIRA)– law to support prices and prevent
business failures. One part called the Public Works Administration handed out
government jobs; dam construction, highways, bridges.
Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)– built a series of hydroelectric dams in parts of
the South to bring rural electrification. It brought hopes of prosperity to one of
America’s poorest regions.
Works Progress Administration (WPA)– employed writers, artists, actors, as well
as public works projects (2 million employed by this law 1933-1941)
20th Amendment—”Lame Duck” amendment
21st Amendment– Repealed Prohibition
ROOSEVELT’S CRITICS
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Many of FDR’s programs caused a lot of controversy.
Why??
– 1. too much government control over business.
– 2. socialism
– 3. no respect for personal rights or property.
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But most of his Critics were on the “Left”:
1. Huey Long– Gov. of Louisiana– “The Kingfish”
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Long believed FDR had not gone far enough.
Redistribution of the wealth.
$2000 per year for every family.
Limit $1 million with the rest taken by the government in taxes.
He planned to run for president in 1936, but was assassinated in Sept. of 1935.
Father Charles Coughlin “Radio Messiah”
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Catholic priest and radio personality
Redistribution of wealth.
Nationalization of banks.
Anti-Semitic and pro-Mussolini and Hitler
2nd NEW DEAL
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FDR won by one of the largest margins of all time when he was re-elected in
1936.
He then launched a bold new set of programs called the “2nd New Deal”
– 1. National Labor Relations Act (NLRA)– “Wagner Act”; government agency created to
monitor unfair management practices. (firing workers who joined unions)
– 2. Social Security Act (SSA)– retirement income for all workers once they reach age 65.
Still remains. Program the idea of Sec. of Labor Frances Perkins (1st female cabinet
member).
– 3. Revenue Act of 1935– Increased the tax rate for all those who earned more
$50,000/yr. It established corporate taxes and estate taxes. “soak the rich tax”.
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• COURT-PACKING SCHEME
The Supreme Court was FDR’s biggest obstacle. It had declared parts of many of
the New Deal programs unconstitutional.
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1937– FDR proposed to enlarge the court from 9 to 15.
He could then appoint judges favorable to his cause.
Many people began to accuse FDR as being a dictator.
FDR eventually withdrew the plan because of the criticism.
THE EFFECTS OF THE NEW DEAL
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The New Deal did not end the Great Depression. It did bring relief to many. But
there were still millions unemployed and the economy was still down.
The New Deal did help organized labor: (Wagner Act)
1. workers gained the right to unionize.
2. strikes became legal and backed by law.
3. as a result union membership increased dramatically.
4. John L. Lewis formed the CIO (Congress of Industrial Organizations) which
became America’s most powerful union.
5. Since the New Deal labor unions --vote heavily Democratic.
• WOMEN AND MINORITIES
Opportunities did open for women, but pay was unequal and most New Deal
programs benefitted men more.
New Deal programs even sanctioned segregation.
Blacks had America’s highest unemployment rate.
Farm laborers did not qualify for Social Security.
But what jobs Blacks got they praised FDR for it. Since the 1930s AfricanAmericans have voted heavily Democrat.
GROUNDWORK FOR WAR: HITLER AND MUSSOLINI
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1. EUROPE WAS DEVASTATED BY THE GREAT DEPRESSION.
2. POLITICAL, ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL UNREST WAS WIDESPREAD.
3. TOTALITARIAN GOVERNMENTS SEIZED CONTROL IN GERMANY AND ITALY.
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GERMANY ELECTED INTO POWER THE NAZI (NATIONAL SOCIALIST PARTY) PARTY LED BY ADOLPH
HITLER-- 1933
ITALY, AFTER A REBELLION, ALLOWED BENITO MUSSOLINI AND HIS FACIST PARTY TO TAKE
CONTROL.
THEY BOTH PREACHED THAT THE STATE WAS MORE IMPORTANT THAN THE INDIVIDUAL,
THEREFORE OPPOSITION PARTIES WERE OUTLAWED AND PERSONAL FREEDOMS WERE
ELIMINATED.
HITLER BLAMED THE TREATY OF VERSAILLES AND THE JEWS FOR GERMANY’S PROBLEMS. HE
BECAME KNOWN AS THE “FUHRER” AND HIS RULE “THE THIRD REICH” (1000 YEAR EMPIRE)
• FACIST AND NAZI EXPANSION
OCT. 1935, ITALY INVADED ETHIOPIA. LEAGUE OF NATIONS CONDEMNED ITALY’S
AGGRESSION BUT DID LITTLE TO HELP ETHIOPIA.
1936, HITLER ORDERED GERMAN TROOPS INTO THE FRENCH OCCUPIED REGIONS OF
GERMANY. ENGLAND AND FRANCE DID NOTHING.
1938, GERMANY ANNEXED AUSTRIA AND LATER THAT YEAR THE SUDETENLAND.
1938, ENGLAND, FRANCE AND GERMANY SIGNED THE MUNICH PACT.
“GERMANY CAN HAVE THE SUDENTENLAND BUT MUST PROMISE TO TAKE NO MORE”–
APPEASEMENT.—Neville Chamberlain “Peace in our Time”.
IN ASIA: JAPANESE AGGRESSION
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Hitler wanted the USSR for “living space”—lebensraum.
Hitler did not want war with Russia, maybe after they defeat France, but not in 1938–
signed a “Non-Aggression Treaty”.
Japan’s leader was Emperor Hirohito but actually the military was in control—Gen. Tojo
Hidecki.
Sept. 1931 Manchurian Crisis– “Mukden Incident”.
Nov. 1931 League of Nations demanded that Japan remove troops from Manchuria, Japan
refuses.
Jan. 1932 Japan captures Manchuria.
Feb. 1932 Japan claims Manchuria to be independent– “Manchukuo”
Mar., 1932 League of Nations refuses to recognize Manchukuo.
May, 1932 Japan and China sign Tangku Truce– unofficial beginning of WW2.
1935 Congress passes Neutrality Act 1935—ban on weapon sales to warring countries.
1937 War breaks out between China and Japan.
1937 FDR issues “Quarantine Speech”
1937 “Panay Incident”
1938 Japan repudiates “open door” policy in China.
1938 US puts an embargo on all fuel and scrap-metal for Japan.
1938 US is not neutral in China.
1938 German annexes Austria and Sudetenland.
1939 Germany annexes the rest of Czechoslovakia.
1939 US Neutrality Act– “cash and carry” policy to nations at war.