Essay On The Positive And Negative Effects Of The 1920s

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Recommended: Changes in 1920 american society

Claire Liu
Hon History 9, per 8
Ms. Fowler
December 12, 2013
1920s Positive and Negative Changes
The 1920s in America saw numerous changes in the US. The postwar trends and fear of communism, and rise of many groups like the Ku Klux Klan effected the American citizens. Feelings of nativism spread as Quota acts were passed and the Labor movement loses appeal. Two presidents- Calvin Coolidge and Warren G. Harding effected the government in different ways. Technology advancement in cars and electricity triggered urban sprawl and the installment plan. Science and religion clashed with the Scopes Trial and Prohibition. The role of the American women changed and the Harlem Renaissance provided a way for African Americans to express themselves. Overall, the 1920s had a more positive effect on society.
In the 1920s, American Industries flourished under President Calvin Coolidge. Both Coolidge Herbert Hoover preferred governmental policies that kept taxes low and business profits high. They fit the pro-business essence of the 1920s perfectly. High tariffs helped American manufacturers, government management in business was decreasing, and wages were increasing. The automobile was the main support of the American economy from 1920-1970. It greatly transformed the American countryside and civilization. Some of the various changes included: Paved roads, traffic lights, motels, billboards, home design, gas stations, repair shops, shopping centers, freedom for rural families, independence for women and young people, and growing cities. By 1920, 80% of world’s vehicles were being driven in the U.S. This lead to Urban Sprawl- when cities spread in all directions. The American airline industry started carrying mail and eventual...

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...ted by mobsters (criminals, gangsters) in their quest for territory to distribute alcohol. With the installment plan, everything could be bought on credit. It allowed people to buy goods over an longer period, without having to pay much money at time of purchase. However, there was a central weakness, superficial economic prosperity, people sunk into debt. The 1920s gave negative impacts as well with the country being divided, rise of anti-immigrant socialist parties, labor unrest, corruption in the government, and organized crime.
The decade known as the “roaring 20s” had more positive effects on society than negative. The birth of modern America began with electricity, automobiles, and radio. The modern women emerged with more available jobs and more time to manage their families and finances. The 1920s were a big step into what has become of the US today.

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