Introduction.
This paper seeks to look in to the USA from 1920 to 1930 in all dimensions. The paper will exhaustively look into the political social, cultural and economic paths followed by America over that period. It will also highlight the key landmarks in both the social, cultural, economic and political spheres over the stated period. The content of the paper will be informed by historical facts about the USA for that one decade.
Thesis.
The years between 1920 and 1930 are of great significance to the history of America because of the cultural, political and economic changes that occurred in the United States over the same period. The economic, political and social arenas in USA were occupied by numerous ups, downs, turn and twists for the ten years. It was the foundational decade for the present America in a dynamic way. It was a period immediately after the Second World War in which the US had taken a leading role in a number of ways. The period is a real civilization decade and a major historical landmark for America in all dimensions as evidenced by the facts below:
Republican ascendancy following with president Wilson’s sick during 1920 to 1932: The republicans won the elections of 1920 by a landslide against the democrats. The rule of the Republican leaders saw the American economy and politics in general go through a rapid boom over the decade. They embraced pro-business policies, conservative and unilateral economic approach to steer the country to great success. It was a conservative and pro-business government with loyal rulers and citizens. The success of every political reign is a direct function of ideology and loyalty of the subjects. America was characterized by harmony over that decade. The conservatism rule did not entertain any labor unions or liberal activists in the country. The entire country was thus singing and dancing a similar political tune. The government embraced increased democracy, good governance and corporate regulation which came to be known as the business progressivism in America. It was this enabling political environment which saw the American progress in the 1920’s. The Nineteenth Amendment: national women’s suffrage. (1921) was a legislation enacted and ratified in 1920 August 18th to protect any US citizen from being denied the right to vote on basis of sexual orientation. It is stated as follows, “The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex. Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.” It was this amendment which culminated the foundation of the Women’s Suffrage Movement which fought and demanded for equal voting rights for women as those of men. The nineteenth amendment was an overruling over the 14th amendment which did not allow women to vote. Ideally, the 19th amendment was a source of power and liberty for the women who could now take part in voting exercise. It was a symbol of women empowerment as well as embracing the rule of equality for all human beings to all opportunities available. After the amendment, women could freely take part in the national voting exercise as evidenced in 1928 when they played a very significant role in the election of Alan Smith. It also laid a firm foundation for future female activists to present their grievances without much strain. The empowerment and enfranchisement of women instilled a lot of fear to many legislators that it would trigger the emergence of a powerful bloc of women. This fear resulted in the ratification of the Sheppard-Tonner Act of 1921. The league of women voters was also formed in 1920 to oversee the issues facing women on their way to exercise their voting rights.
Second Ku Klux Klan: It had been founded in 1915 by William Simmons, and it added to the white supremacy complex and opposition for Catholicism. It quickly spread throughout America and provided an avenue for compulsive patriotism and religious fundamentalism in the country. The clan is renowned for its aggressive and militant efforts in the pursuit of supremacy of the white race, opposition for Catholicism, anti-semitism, as well as restrictions on immigration. It also devoted efforts in advocating for honesty in governance, equality and fairness in law enactment and enforcement, improved public facilities such as schools and hospitals, as well as the acknowledgement of the traditional family life and the importance attached to such. Despite its nonpolitical orientation, the klan controlled and influenced many political activities in many communities up to 1926 it had elected a number of candidates to the congress. Activities of the KKK2 were becoming extreme because it took several extralegal punitive measures against any presumed enemies. Some of the measures were really extreme and this led to its collapse due to the enactment of state laws that forbade masks and the secret element in the klan. The klan rose to unquestionable political influence in the mid 1920’s such that not even a single political party or politician would attempt to dislodge it: actually the leaders wanted to be associated with it to use it for efficient administration. The membership of the klan fell from the average of 5 million in the mid 1920’s to less than 30,000 by 1930. The collapse of the klan was perpetrated by the actions of its leaders such as David Stephenson when corruption became the order of the day. The members had also lost their interest in the klan as well.
The economic path of America during the decade was indicated by an initial economic prosperity which was followed by the great depression.
Economic prosperity up to 1929: Immediately after the World War I, the president sought for economic normalcy as well as an end to the high taxes charged during the war time. The deliberate government activities to raise tariffs as well as cutting tax provided a large surplus which served to reduce the federal debt to the tune of a third within that decade. (1920- 1930). New business regulations laid a ground for business efficiency and prosperity in the country. There was an eventual rapid growth in the automobile industry which stimulated economic outburst and growth of other industries in the country. The rapid business expansion in the country invited other trade elements such as credit: money borrowing as well as credit sales. This was necessary for the business success over the period. There was a rapid migration of people to the nearby cities to exploit the numerous opportunities as well as enjoying a modern life. All commercial industries experienced a fast growth up to 1929 due to the conducive business environment.
The great depression stroke on the eve of 1929. It was initiated by the tragic collapse of the stock markets and bank failure: this came to be known as the Wall Street crash of 1929. This crisis plunged the entire American economy into mishap and other contributing factors which aggravated the situation included, excessive government spending which led to deficit financing, the looming banking crisis, and the imminent market failure. The formerly stable and lucrative American Economy was in the verge of collapse from 1929 and by 1930 it had no signs of recovery.
In the social sphere, the empowerment of women that was outlined by the ratification of the 19th amendment saw the establishment of vibrant women organizations such as the Women’s Joint Congressional committee and iconic ladies such as Alice paul could speak out and table the grievances of women as a whole. The women also formed associations for voting after the 19th amendment. Ideally, this was a decade of women empowerment and women rose the ladder of equality with men. Women like Alice paul also served as flappers against the traditional belief that women are inferior beings. They played a central role in the liberation of women from the dogmatic beliefs of the society. They created a new woman and pushed aside all elements of male chauvinism in all spheres of life. Women got a place to stand in the society and could decide on the choices to make without dictation.
The cultural sphere was not left behind during the civilization decade. There were several cultural developments. The movie industry expanded and flourished very well in this period with the development of Hollywood. There were many topics to be covered in the movie industry and Hollywood found itself at the center of the development. The rise of Hollywood was a new and beneficial cultural phenomenon in America. The fact that people had enough money to spend at the movies kept Hollywood on the rise to prosperity. It is averaged that at least 100 million people attended movies in a week. The Harlem Renaissance was another cultural landmark in this period. It was a cultural movement that intertwined the cultural elements of the African Americans in the urban areas. It was a broad cultural identity for the people and it spanned across a wide range of elements such as, poetry, drama, short stories, novels, intellectuals, visual arts, entertainment such as music, dancers, and games. These elements were unique and tied to the American culture. Some of them still persist to date. Jazz music also found its origin in the period between 1920 and 1930 in America. It arose from a generation of female flappers who disguised in a unique hairstyle and clothes which covered them partially. It stemmed up as a new lifestyle among the youth and eventually found its place in the society despite the initial opposition.
Conclusion
The period between 1920 and 1930 can be echoed for the dynamic transformations and change of affairs in America. It was an almost revolutionary era that saw America rise to the top and soon after 1929 the country came stumbling down. The developments and achievements of the nine years up to 1929 were a strong foundation for the American success but that never came to pass due to the abrupt change of events: the rise to prosperity during the great 1920’s and the abrupt invasion by the great depression. With the advent of the great depression, the American progress in all spheres of life was plagued: almost crippled. The country became stagnated and retrogressive economically, politically, socially and culturally.
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