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His125 Roaring Twenties

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Roaring Twenties

9/9/2011

The Roaring Twenties

After World War I there were significant changes that developed socially, economically, and politically. Americans put the war behind them and the roaring twenties became a very exciting time and change was evident. The roaring twenties brought social change for women and youths, while, new technology helped to create a new economic boom. However, the change in politics would unite Americans that was looking for positive changes. Even though most Americans felt modernism was best for America they were meet with opposition from the traditionalist. The roaring twenties opened the door for women who began to enter the work force, gained the right to vote, and a freer lifestyle. In 1920 the 19th amendment passed which grants suffrage to women. Other social changes for women included the way they thought, dressed, and danced. Women began to wear shorter hair, shorter dresses, and some were known as flappers. Whereas, women had many social changes so did the younger generation (U.S History, Para 1). Moreover, the roaring twenties brought tremendous change to society as a whole. With the emergence of modern radio programs and motion pictures they entertained and influence the younger generation. As the new generation began to change there was a clash of values. Values changed from traditional to modern. As more motion pictures were made that depicted a more modern dress, thoughts, and style the younger generation formulated their style to match. Furthermore, while some Americans wanted to modernize others wanted to stay traditional, and the roaring twenties had a division of modernism and traditionalism. One way the traditionalist fought back was prohibition. Congress ratified the 18th amendment that made it illegal to consume, sale, transport, or the manufacturing of alcoholic beverages. The purpose of prohibition was to reduce social problems while protecting families from alcohol abuse. In addition to alcohol some traditionalist believed mass media was to blame. Some traditionalist assumed the content of motion pictures and radio was a bad influence and wanted more constraints on the movie and radio industry (Prohibition, Para 1). However, as the modernist and traditionalist were trying to solve their differences on social issues it was clear that the economy was booming. At the end of World War I new technology enhanced mass production of goods and services; because of the new technology prices fell. Due to higher wages and lower prices consumers began buying more which increased the standard of living. Also, tax rates were lowered for Americans while tariffs halted foreign competition and this also helped American businesses to prosper. One example of an American Enterprise that prospered from new technology was Henry Ford; the developer of the Ford Model T car (Cliffnotes, Para 2). Moreover, one of the reasons the economy was doing so well was in part due to the positive decisions the President and Congress was making after World War I. However, it was not always that way during World War I. President Woodrow Wilson and the Senate refused to ratify the Versailles Peace Treaty that ended World War I. As America moved into the roaring twenties Warren G. Harding was elected the new President in 1920. Also, it was the first time women got to vote. Once Harding was elected President his political views was to concentrate on America’s problems. Similarly, while President Harding was concentrating on America’s problems he had problems of his own in the White House. However, Harding was not exposed until after his death in 1923 from a stroke. During Harding’s time as President there were several scandals one of which was the “Teapot Dome Scandal”. President Harding allowed the transfer of Navy oil reserves to oilman Harry F. Sinclair. The public was outraged; first, because there was no open bidding for all Americans, and second, the secretary of interior Albert B. Fall received 400 hundred thousand dollars from Sinclair for the secret leasing of the oil reserves. However, it is important to remember that there were positive political achievements made, such as, women’s, right to vote, approving tariffs, and the signing of the Versailles Peace Treaty (U.S History, Para 2). Finally, the roaring twenties also known as “Jazz age”, “Age of intolerance”, and “Age of wonderful nonsense” was an exciting time for people. It closed the door to the world war, and opened doors for women. It was also a time when the economy was booming and new technology created better jobs with higher salaries. People enjoyed the motion pictures, new music, dance, and style. Modernism meets traditionalism; and while traditionalism fought, modernism won. American’s continued to prosper and enjoyed the roaring twenties until the stock market crash of 1929 followed by the great depression. References
United States History. (2011). Roaring Twenties. Retrieved Sept 8, 2011. Web. www.u-s-history.com
United States History. (2011). Tea Pot Dome Scandal. Retrieved Sept 8, 2011. Web. www.u-s-history.com
Cliffnotes. (2011). A New Society: Economic and Social Change. Retrieved Sept 9, 2011. Web. www.cliffsnotes.com
1920’s Prohibition. (2005). Prohibition in the United States. Retrieved Sept 9, 2011. Web. www.1920-30.com/prohibition/

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