The 1920sThe 1920s

““The 20s had not one, but countless The 20s had not one, but countless faces, some of them ugly and hateful” faces, some of them ugly and hateful”

Bill MoyersBill Moyers

Popular ImagePopular Image Other SideOther Side

Roaring 20sRoaring 20s Conflict Conflict

Jazz AgeJazz Age Controversy Controversy

ProsperityProsperity Contrast Contrast

ConformityConformity Reaction Reaction

There was the popular / romantic side but also another There was the popular / romantic side but also another less glamorous sideless glamorous side

““Roaring 20s”Roaring 20s”

1. Movies1. Movies 2. Mass Media / Communication2. Mass Media / Communication 3. Music3. Music 4. Fashion / Flappers4. Fashion / Flappers 5. Sports5. Sports 6. Harlem Renaissance6. Harlem Renaissance 7. Automobiles7. Automobiles 8. Consumerism / Advertising / Credit8. Consumerism / Advertising / Credit

Lesser Known SideLesser Known Side

1. Cultural Conflict1. Cultural Conflict 2. Racial Conflict2. Racial Conflict 3. Religious Conflict3. Religious Conflict 4. Gangsterism4. Gangsterism 5. Economic Conflict (labor, farmer)5. Economic Conflict (labor, farmer) 6. Women’s Rights6. Women’s Rights 7. Political Conflict7. Political Conflict

1. Movies1. Movies

Black and white and silent at firstBlack and white and silent at first

Sound added in 1927: Al Jolson’s the Sound added in 1927: Al Jolson’s the Jazz SingerJazz Singer, the , the first talking movie; advent of sound brought a whole first talking movie; advent of sound brought a whole new dimension….no color in the 20snew dimension….no color in the 20s

Inexpensive escapism, entertainment: Inexpensive escapism, entertainment: NickelodeonsNickelodeons

Huge interest in lives of movie stars – became national Huge interest in lives of movie stars – became national celebrities / sex symbols, role modelscelebrities / sex symbols, role models

Rudolph Valentino, Charlie Chaplin, Douglas Rudolph Valentino, Charlie Chaplin, Douglas Fairbanks, Mary Pickford, Greta Garbo (Swedish), Fairbanks, Mary Pickford, Greta Garbo (Swedish), Lillian Gish…people copied their dress, habits….etcLillian Gish…people copied their dress, habits….etc

Attendance increased from 40m to 80m annually from Attendance increased from 40m to 80m annually from 1922-19291922-1929

Contributed to development of a national culture, Contributed to development of a national culture, standardization of values, customs etc.. the entire nation standardization of values, customs etc.. the entire nation seeing the same movies, same influences, values, seeing the same movies, same influences, values, fashion…fashion…

““The form of media most credited with changing how The form of media most credited with changing how Americans saw themselves” (Moyers)Americans saw themselves” (Moyers)

Also served as a source of Advertising .contributed to Also served as a source of Advertising .contributed to Consumer Spending (advertising indirectly in the movie, Consumer Spending (advertising indirectly in the movie, and directly before, and during intermission)and directly before, and during intermission)

Newsreels provided information on world and national Newsreels provided information on world and national events; motion pictures revolutionized news coverageevents; motion pictures revolutionized news coverage

Advent of the Movies: Charlie Chaplin in one of his greatest feature-length comedies,”The Kid”

Douglas Fairbanks playing the role of a Spanish Don

Mary Pickford knitting for war orphans while on a movie set

Lillian Gish posing for a publicity shot

Rudolph Valentino

Valentino in Son of the SheikRudolph Valentino, the leading male movie star of the 1920s, starred in such costume epics as The Sheik and Son of the Sheik. This poster advertises Son of the Sheik, which appeared after Valentino's death in 1926, at the age of 31, from complications following the removal of his appendix.

2. Mass Media / Communication2. Mass Media / Communication

NewspapersNewspapers National chains of syndicated newspapers, replaced National chains of syndicated newspapers, replaced

local, regional newspapers: same news / views presented local, regional newspapers: same news / views presented nationwide: standardized national culturenationwide: standardized national culture

Increase in number of newspapers, (esp. tabloids); Increase in number of newspapers, (esp. tabloids); circulation increased by 42% from 1920-1929circulation increased by 42% from 1920-1929

More magazines: More magazines: Time, Readers DigestTime, Readers Digest

Newspapers contributed to and benefited from increase Newspapers contributed to and benefited from increase in Literacyin Literacy

Another source of Advertising……. Led to increase in Another source of Advertising……. Led to increase in consumer spending consumer spending

General Electric refrigerator advertisement circa 1920

RadioRadio First commercial Radio Station: KDKA in Pittsburg: Jan. First commercial Radio Station: KDKA in Pittsburg: Jan.

19201920

NBC: first national radio network: 1927NBC: first national radio network: 1927

By 1929, 12m families owned radiosBy 1929, 12m families owned radios

Provided news, and entertainment (music, soap operas…)Provided news, and entertainment (music, soap operas…)

Like movies, newspapers, radio contributed to Like movies, newspapers, radio contributed to standardization of culture / development of national standardization of culture / development of national cultureculture

Also another source of Advertising…. Led to increased Also another source of Advertising…. Led to increased consumer spendingconsumer spending

3. Music3. Music Two new kinds of music: upbeat, frenetic, Jazz: and Two new kinds of music: upbeat, frenetic, Jazz: and

soulful, sad Bluessoulful, sad Blues

Both with roots in African American culture in the Both with roots in African American culture in the SouthSouth

Blues emerged from AA work songs and chants of Blues emerged from AA work songs and chants of slaves: spread from South to North: popularized by slaves: spread from South to North: popularized by Bessie Smith (Bessie Smith (Empress of the BluesEmpress of the Blues) and Ma Rainey in ) and Ma Rainey in clubs of Northern cities…and on the Radioclubs of Northern cities…and on the Radio

Jazz began in New Orleans: also brought North by AA Jazz began in New Orleans: also brought North by AA migrantsmigrants

Joseph “King” Oliver’s Creole Jazz Band, Louis Joseph “King” Oliver’s Creole Jazz Band, Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington: among the most famous Armstrong, Duke Ellington: among the most famous Jazz Musicians of the 20sJazz Musicians of the 20s

Also popularized in the clubs (Cotton Club in Harlem, Also popularized in the clubs (Cotton Club in Harlem, one of the most famous) and on the Radio: associated one of the most famous) and on the Radio: associated with “speakeasies” during prohibitionwith “speakeasies” during prohibition

Energetic, upbeat, Energetic, upbeat, CharlestonCharleston Dance was associated Dance was associated with Jazz: with Jazz:

Louis ArmstrongLouis Armstrong, born in 1900, first began to play the trumpet in New Orleans but emerged as a leading innovator in jazz after 1924, when he joined Fletcher Henderson's orchestra in New York. Some of his recordings from the 1920s are among the most original and imaginative contributions to jazz.

4. Fashion, Dress4. Fashion, Dress Post-Victorian fashionable young ladies were called Post-Victorian fashionable young ladies were called

“Flappers” (slides)“Flappers” (slides)

Rebelled against culture, fashion, appearance of their Rebelled against culture, fashion, appearance of their parents / older generation: against Victorian cultureparents / older generation: against Victorian culture

Short bobbed hair, clothing had “lower neckline and Short bobbed hair, clothing had “lower neckline and raised hemline,” exposed their knees, smoked and drank raised hemline,” exposed their knees, smoked and drank in public, used makeup, birth control (Margaret in public, used makeup, birth control (Margaret Sanger), danced the Charleston, drove cars, partook in Sanger), danced the Charleston, drove cars, partook in fads (marathon dancing etc…)fads (marathon dancing etc…)

Flappers

More Flappers

Flapper

Flappers

Margaret Sanger leaving court of Special Sessions after arraignmentMargaret Sanger is seen here in 1916, leaving court after being charged with distributing birth control information illegally. During the Progressive Era, women worked to remove legal barriers to obtaining information on preventing conception.

5. Sports5. Sports Huge increase in Professional and Recreational / Huge increase in Professional and Recreational /

Amateur sports; and in interest, attendance, fans Amateur sports; and in interest, attendance, fans

Tennis, golf, swimming, baseball, football, boxing, horse Tennis, golf, swimming, baseball, football, boxing, horse racingracing

Babe Ruth, best know baseball player – home-run legendBabe Ruth, best know baseball player – home-run legend

Jack Dempsey and Gene Tunney fought twice for the Jack Dempsey and Gene Tunney fought twice for the world heavyweight boxing championship (Tunney won world heavyweight boxing championship (Tunney won both, the second one famous for the “long count” – 15 both, the second one famous for the “long count” – 15 seconds)seconds)

105,000 people paid $2.6m (record box-office receipt at 105,000 people paid $2.6m (record box-office receipt at this time) to watch their re-match in Soldier Field, this time) to watch their re-match in Soldier Field, Chicago in 1926: 50m also listened on the RadioChicago in 1926: 50m also listened on the Radio

Red Grange: most famous football player: the “Galloping Red Grange: most famous football player: the “Galloping Ghost”; another famous footballer was Newt RockneyGhost”; another famous footballer was Newt Rockney

Gertrude Ederle: famous swimmer: first woman to swim Gertrude Ederle: famous swimmer: first woman to swim the English Channel, breaking the men’s recordthe English Channel, breaking the men’s record

Helen Wills; tennis: Bobby Jones, GolfHelen Wills; tennis: Bobby Jones, Golf

Charles Lindbergh (“Lucky Lindy”) first solo flight Charles Lindbergh (“Lucky Lindy”) first solo flight across the Atlantic, West to East, NY to Paris, 1927: across the Atlantic, West to East, NY to Paris, 1927: Spirit of St. Louis – a triumph of spirit / old value of Spirit of St. Louis – a triumph of spirit / old value of rugged individualism and modern science and technologyrugged individualism and modern science and technology

Amelia Earhart: first woman to fly solo across Amelia Earhart: first woman to fly solo across Atlantic: disappeared in 1937Atlantic: disappeared in 1937

Popularized by media reports, by advertisingPopularized by media reports, by advertising

Sports Mania: NY Yankee star Babe Ruth hits first home run of the 1924 season

Tunney versus Dempsey fight

Red Grange the “Galloping Ghost”

Gertrude Ederle stopping for nourishment on English Channel swim

LindberghIn a celebrity-obsessed decade, Lindbergh rocketed to instant fame after his 1927 solo transatlantic flight.

6. Harlem Renaissance6. Harlem Renaissance Literary and artistic (writing, music, art) movement Literary and artistic (writing, music, art) movement

encouraged among AA’s in Northern cities: started in encouraged among AA’s in Northern cities: started in Harlem’s cafes, restaurants, clubsHarlem’s cafes, restaurants, clubs

Inspired by urgings of Alaine Locke, an African Inspired by urgings of Alaine Locke, an African American professor of literature at Howard UniversityAmerican professor of literature at Howard University

Inspired by speeches and writings of WEB Du Bois and Inspired by speeches and writings of WEB Du Bois and Marcus Garvey (slide)Marcus Garvey (slide)

Leading poets, writers of the Harlem Renaissance were Leading poets, writers of the Harlem Renaissance were Langston Hughes, Claude McKay, Zora Neale HurstonLangston Hughes, Claude McKay, Zora Neale Hurston

Marcus Garvey presiding over meeting of his back-to-Africa followers

Drew inspiration from their roots and heritage: Drew inspiration from their roots and heritage: Langston Hughes expressed the spirit of the HR when Langston Hughes expressed the spirit of the HR when he declared – “I am a Negro, and beautiful.”he declared – “I am a Negro, and beautiful.”

Marcus Garvey formed the Negro Improvement Marcus Garvey formed the Negro Improvement Association, centered in Harlem – focus on Pride, Association, centered in Harlem – focus on Pride, Economic Independence – and the African Orthodox Economic Independence – and the African Orthodox Church (with a black Christ and Mary) – and later the Church (with a black Christ and Mary) – and later the Back to Africa Movement…(Black Star line of Back to Africa Movement…(Black Star line of ships…..sank_ships…..sank_

Survey Graphic cover, March, 1925This was the cover of a special issue of Survey Graphic published in March of 1925. A popular magazine of the period, Survey Graphic devoted the entire issue to Harlem and the emergence of a new consciousness among its African-American residents.

7. Automobiles7. Automobiles More than anything, the automobile defined the culture of More than anything, the automobile defined the culture of

America in the 20sAmerica in the 20s

Production perfected by Ford: Perfected Assembly line Production perfected by Ford: Perfected Assembly line (1910) using ideas of Taylor (scientific management) and (1910) using ideas of Taylor (scientific management) and Whitney (interchangeable parts)Whitney (interchangeable parts)

Reduced assembly time from 14 hours to 93 minutes: Reduced assembly time from 14 hours to 93 minutes: turned out 1 car every 10 secondsturned out 1 car every 10 seconds

Reduced cost of Model T (all black) from $600 (1912) to Reduced cost of Model T (all black) from $600 (1912) to $260 (1927)$260 (1927)

By 1930 there were 30m cars in the US (a quarter of all By 1930 there were 30m cars in the US (a quarter of all the world’s cars)the world’s cars)

Huge impact on culture: suburban living, vacations to Huge impact on culture: suburban living, vacations to far off places, shopping at mallsfar off places, shopping at malls

Also contributed to standardization of culture / national Also contributed to standardization of culture / national culture (like movies, media, radio..) through shared culture (like movies, media, radio..) through shared experiences from travelexperiences from travel

Ford adHenry Ford constantly worked to reduce car prices on his cars. He also promoted installment buying, promising in this ad that "with even the most modest income, [every family] can now afford a car of their own." This ad also encouraged impulse buying: "You live but once and the years roll by quickly. Why wait for tomorrow for things that you rightfully should enjoy today?"

Ford Highland Park assembly line, 1928Pictured here is the assembly line for Model-A Fords, at Ford's main assembly plant in 1928. Assembly line workers quickly perform the same task on car after car as the chassis moves past them at the rate of six feet per minute. Ford pioneered the assembly line as a way to reduce both cost and dependence on skilled workers. He paid the highest wages in Detroit but required complete obedience from his workers, even to the point of prohibiting whistling while at work.

New Forms of Transportation

Family touring in 1920 auto

July 4 at Nantasket Beach, Massachusetts, early 1920sHundreds of identical Fords jam Nantasket Beach near Boston on a Fourth of July in the early 1920s.

8. Consumerism8. Consumerism Huge consumer spending in the 20sHuge consumer spending in the 20s

Encouraged by extensive advertising in newspapers, Encouraged by extensive advertising in newspapers, magazines, radio, movies, billboardsmagazines, radio, movies, billboards

Facilitated by easy Credit and Installment PlansFacilitated by easy Credit and Installment Plans

75% of cars, 85% of furniture, 70% of washing 75% of cars, 85% of furniture, 70% of washing machines were bought on creditmachines were bought on credit

In the 20s people watched sports, listened to the radio, In the 20s people watched sports, listened to the radio, went to the movies, drove cars, went shopping….. went to the movies, drove cars, went shopping….. because middle and working class people had: because middle and working class people had:

– more free time due to the reduction of the work day more free time due to the reduction of the work day and work weekand work week

– more free time due to new domestic labor saving more free time due to new domestic labor saving devices such as the vacuum cleaner, dish washer, devices such as the vacuum cleaner, dish washer, electric irons, electric toaster.electric irons, electric toaster.

– more money due to salary increases and wartime more money due to salary increases and wartime savings (as well as easy access to credit)savings (as well as easy access to credit)

- “- “Psychology of liberation” – survived WWI, so now Psychology of liberation” – survived WWI, so now should enjoy life to the fullestshould enjoy life to the fullest

Billboard advertising candy

General Electric adElectric appliances became commonplace in the 1920s and advanced the consumer economy. Note here the obvious link between a daughter and her mother, whose domestic tasks appear to be made easier and more appealing by an electric range, a vacuum cleaner, and an iron.

General Electric adGeneral Electric ad

Listerine adAdvertising promised that those who used Listerine to eliminate halitosis would gain friends and even romance.

Listerine adListerine ad

Radio adBetween 1922 and 1930, the number of families owning radios swelled from 60,000 to almost 14 million. Manufacturers such as RCA produced a variety of sizes and shapes and took out full-page advertisements in popular publications to inform the public about the latest development in design and technology.

Radio adRadio ad

But the 20s was also a decade of But the 20s was also a decade of Conflict, Controversy, Contrast, Conflict, Controversy, Contrast, and Reactionand Reaction

1. Cultural Conflict1. Cultural Conflict Older generation, religious leaders attacked growing Older generation, religious leaders attacked growing

materialism, hedonism, philistinism of younger materialism, hedonism, philistinism of younger generation (drink, clothes, cars, smoking..)…generation generation (drink, clothes, cars, smoking..)…generation gapgap

Writers esp. were critical: Hemingway, Scott-Fitzgerald Writers esp. were critical: Hemingway, Scott-Fitzgerald ((The GreatThe Great GatsbyGatsby), mocked the new culture and ), mocked the new culture and moved to Paris to escape from itmoved to Paris to escape from it

Gertrude Stein called these exiles the “lost generation”Gertrude Stein called these exiles the “lost generation”

John Dos Passos, Sinclair Lewis (John Dos Passos, Sinclair Lewis (Babbit Babbit andand Main Main StreetStreet), and H.L. Mencken also ridiculed the new ), and H.L. Mencken also ridiculed the new culture (but didn’t move overseas), as did Ezra Pound, culture (but didn’t move overseas), as did Ezra Pound, Eugene O’ Neill, T.S. EliotEugene O’ Neill, T.S. Eliot

2. Racial Unrest2. Racial Unrest Huge migration of African American’s to the NorthHuge migration of African American’s to the North

Faced as much prejudice there as in the South: got only Faced as much prejudice there as in the South: got only menial jobs and lived in poverty in inner cities (de facto menial jobs and lived in poverty in inner cities (de facto segregation / discrimination)segregation / discrimination)

KKK became active again (David Stephenson, new KKK became active again (David Stephenson, new leader) (slide), again targeting African Americansleader) (slide), again targeting African Americans

Lynching occurred in Nth too, not just SouthLynching occurred in Nth too, not just South

Segregation also continued in the armed forcesSegregation also continued in the armed forces

Race Riots occurred in many northern cities in 20s Race Riots occurred in many northern cities in 20s caused by conflict and tension….Chicago, NYcaused by conflict and tension….Chicago, NY

Racism was also directed by Nativists against New Racism was also directed by Nativists against New Immigration: KKK, Kearneyites, anti-Immigration Immigration: KKK, Kearneyites, anti-Immigration laws: 1921, 1924 (see previous Unit / Topic on laws: 1921, 1924 (see previous Unit / Topic on Immigration )Immigration )

Ku Klux Klan pamphlet: "America for Americans"This image is from a Ku Klux Klan pamphlet published in the mid-1920s, when the Klan claimed as many as five million members nationwide. The Klan portrayed itself as defending traditional, white, Protestant America against Jews, Catholics, and African Americans.

Ku Klux Klan parade in Washington, D.C., September 13, 1926In a brazen display of power, the Ku Klux Klan organized a march in the nation's capital in 1926. By this time, the Klan was already in decline.

Ku Klux Klan marching down Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, D.C., 1925

Poster: Birth of a NationD. W. Griffith's epic film glorified the racist Ku Klux Klan.

Lynching protest parade, Washington, D.C., 1922African Americans intensified their efforts to put an end to lynching. This protest parade was held in Washington, D.C., in 1922. The NAACP's efforts to secure a federal antilynching law, however, were repeatedly defeated by southerners in Congress.

3. Religious Conflict3. Religious Conflict

Traditionalism / Fundamentalism (Bible, Old Values, Traditionalism / Fundamentalism (Bible, Old Values, Conservative) v ModernismConservative) v Modernism

Aimee Semple McPherson (LA) and Billy Sunday – Aimee Semple McPherson (LA) and Billy Sunday – famous Fundamentalist preachersfamous Fundamentalist preachers

Traditionalists shocked by new morality represented by Traditionalists shocked by new morality represented by Flappers, Speakeasies, CharlestonFlappers, Speakeasies, Charleston

Traditionalists esp. rejected Darwinism / Evolution: led Traditionalists esp. rejected Darwinism / Evolution: led to a huge Creationism v Evolution debateto a huge Creationism v Evolution debate

Scopes Trial / Monkey Trial in Tennessee, 1925: a Scopes Trial / Monkey Trial in Tennessee, 1925: a Science teacher, John Scopes, was prosecuted for Science teacher, John Scopes, was prosecuted for violation of Butler Act prohibiting the teaching of violation of Butler Act prohibiting the teaching of Evolution (slide)Evolution (slide)

Defended by Clarence Darrow of the ACLU v Wm Defended by Clarence Darrow of the ACLU v Wm Jennings Bryan for the prosecutionJennings Bryan for the prosecution

Huge media coverage; broadcast live nationally: Huge media coverage; broadcast live nationally: showdown between Traditionalism / Fundamentalism showdown between Traditionalism / Fundamentalism and Modernismand Modernism

Clarence Darrow at the Scopes Evolution trial

Clarence Darrow's (at left) passionate devotion to freedom of thought, led him to the courtroom pictured here, in defense of John Thomas Scopes, a teacher accused of teaching the theory of evolution.

Scopes found guilty and fined $100 dollars (token Scopes found guilty and fined $100 dollars (token punishment only): but ACLU claimed victory because punishment only): but ACLU claimed victory because Bryan admitted that bible could not always be Bryan admitted that bible could not always be interpreted literally (world not make in 6 days)interpreted literally (world not make in 6 days)

4. Crime, Gangsterism4. Crime, Gangsterism Prohibition Amendment, 18Prohibition Amendment, 18thth, was unpopular: high , was unpopular: high

demand for bootleg alcoholdemand for bootleg alcohol

Smuggled, secretly / illegally manufactured (bootleg), Smuggled, secretly / illegally manufactured (bootleg), distributed, sold in Speakeasies (underground bars): too distributed, sold in Speakeasies (underground bars): too few and many corrupt agents: huge border impossible to few and many corrupt agents: huge border impossible to protectprotect

Lucrative business attracted gangs, gangsters: organized Lucrative business attracted gangs, gangsters: organized crime: Al Capone, Chicago; “Scarface”: killed his rivals crime: Al Capone, Chicago; “Scarface”: killed his rivals (eventually prosecuted for tax evasion)(eventually prosecuted for tax evasion)

Emergence in the US of a general casual attitude to the Emergence in the US of a general casual attitude to the law law

Federal agents inspecting illegal distillery

Federal agent inspecting Chicago “drinking Decoctions”

Federal agent destroying illegal barrel of moonshine

Woman showing “Repeal 18th” tire cover

Prohibition:A woman concealing a flask of liquor in her boot during prohibition.

5. Economic Conflict, Decline5. Economic Conflict, Decline Many strikes in late 1910s and early 1920sMany strikes in late 1910s and early 1920s

Boston Police (Gov. Coolidge said they had no right to Boston Police (Gov. Coolidge said they had no right to jeopardize public safety), steelworkers of mid West, jeopardize public safety), steelworkers of mid West, coalminers – some strikes turned violent…clashes coalminers – some strikes turned violent…clashes between strikers and policebetween strikers and police

Usually smeared with Bolshevism / Communism by Usually smeared with Bolshevism / Communism by employers, authorities, media, govt. to discredit thememployers, authorities, media, govt. to discredit them

Construction and automobile industries prospered in 20s Construction and automobile industries prospered in 20s but others declinedbut others declined

1920s 1.1C Car bombing on streets of New York

Coal miners, textile workers, farmers all saw decline in Coal miners, textile workers, farmers all saw decline in salaries, standard of living: poverty: lived in tenements salaries, standard of living: poverty: lived in tenements of inner cities: jobs were hard and tediousof inner cities: jobs were hard and tedious

Prosperity of 20s is not shared by everyone; one third Prosperity of 20s is not shared by everyone; one third of population lived below the poverty level (household of population lived below the poverty level (household income of less than $1,500 a year)income of less than $1,500 a year)

6. Women’s Rights6. Women’s Rights

Gained right to vote with 19Gained right to vote with 19thth Amendment Amendment

But no real role in politics, still could not run for office But no real role in politics, still could not run for office (slide)(slide)

And still faced discrimination in the job market: had And still faced discrimination in the job market: had mostly only access to “pink collar jobs” – secretaries, mostly only access to “pink collar jobs” – secretaries, switch board operators, sales assistantsswitch board operators, sales assistants

Impossible to reach supervisory or managerial Impossible to reach supervisory or managerial positions, (glass ceiling)positions, (glass ceiling)

1920s 3.3C

National Women’s Party Headquarters in 1920

7. Political Conflict / Division7. Political Conflict / DivisionRed Scare of 1919-1920Red Scare of 1919-1920

Paranoia about spread of Communism from Russia: Paranoia about spread of Communism from Russia: Lenin’s Lenin’s CominternComintern promoted international socialism promoted international socialism

Concern about frequency of strikes….Socialism?Concern about frequency of strikes….Socialism?

But there were only 2 small Communist parties in the US But there were only 2 small Communist parties in the US with a combined membership of 70,000 and a Socialist with a combined membership of 70,000 and a Socialist Party with only 30,000 membersParty with only 30,000 members

Trouble on May-day 1919: mail bombs were intercepted: Trouble on May-day 1919: mail bombs were intercepted: caused Govt. fearcaused Govt. fear

In June, bombs exploded in 8 different cities, including the In June, bombs exploded in 8 different cities, including the house of Attorney General, Palmer (slide)house of Attorney General, Palmer (slide)

Palmer overacted: created FBI, directed by J. Edgar Palmer overacted: created FBI, directed by J. Edgar Hoover to gather information on Communists in the US: Hoover to gather information on Communists in the US: many people were arrested on vague charges of espionage, many people were arrested on vague charges of espionage, sedition..sedition..

Vigilante groups were encouraged to watch out for Vigilante groups were encouraged to watch out for Communists / Communist activityCommunists / Communist activity

30 states passed Sedition Laws30 states passed Sedition Laws

Dec. 1919: Palmer Raids: deportation of 249 workers to Dec. 1919: Palmer Raids: deportation of 249 workers to Russia on the “Soviet Ark” (Russia on the “Soviet Ark” (SS BufordSS Buford): no charges, no ): no charges, no wrongdoing; 4,000 more arrests in 1920wrongdoing; 4,000 more arrests in 1920

1921: Sacco and Vanzetti: Italian immigrants, arrested 1921: Sacco and Vanzetti: Italian immigrants, arrested and put on trial for murder: circumstantial evidence and put on trial for murder: circumstantial evidence only: found guilty: executed 1927 (slide)….victims of only: found guilty: executed 1927 (slide)….victims of Red Scare paranoia / hysteria…..convenient scapegoatsRed Scare paranoia / hysteria…..convenient scapegoats

Prejudiced judge (Webster Thayer) and juryPrejudiced judge (Webster Thayer) and jury

Condemned by ACLU: huge protests Condemned by ACLU: huge protests

Pardoned by Mass Gov. Michael Dukakis in 1977Pardoned by Mass Gov. Michael Dukakis in 1977

1920s 1.1D Attorney General A. Mitchell Palmer

1920s 1.1E Cartoon of Uncle Sam throwing out alien

“Reds”

1920s 1.1F

Vanzetti (left) and Sacco are seen listening to their death sentence in Massachusetts courtroom in 1926

Presidential Elections of 1920sPresidential Elections of 1920s Harding defeated Democrat Cox in 1920 (“solemn Harding defeated Democrat Cox in 1920 (“solemn

referendum” about Treaty of Versailles) (slide)referendum” about Treaty of Versailles) (slide)

Promised “return to normalcy” – end strikes, Promised “return to normalcy” – end strikes, communism, internationalism…restore isolationismcommunism, internationalism…restore isolationism

Aware of his limitations he app. bright (millionaires) Aware of his limitations he app. bright (millionaires) Cabinet Secretaries: Hughes (State), Hoover Cabinet Secretaries: Hughes (State), Hoover (Commerce), Mellon (Treasury) (slide)(Commerce), Mellon (Treasury) (slide)

Surrounded by friends in Ohio Gang (like Jackson’s Surrounded by friends in Ohio Gang (like Jackson’s Kitchen Cabinet)Kitchen Cabinet)

1920s 2.1A

President Warren G. Harding and his pet dog at the White House

1920s 2.1B

President Harding with his cabinetFront row: Charles Even Hughes, John W. Weeks, Will Hayes, Albert B. Fall and Herbert HooverBack row: Andrew Mellon, Harry M. Daugherty, Edwin Denby, Henry C. Wallace and James J. Davis

Several Scandals under his Admin (like Grantism)Several Scandals under his Admin (like Grantism)

Charles Forbes: head of Veterans Bureau, found selling Charles Forbes: head of Veterans Bureau, found selling medical supplies for profitmedical supplies for profit

Harry Daugherty: AG: gave pardons and liquor permits Harry Daugherty: AG: gave pardons and liquor permits for profit; forced to resign but not convicted – jury twice for profit; forced to resign but not convicted – jury twice failed to agreefailed to agree

Albert Fall: Sec. of Interior: Teapot Dome (and Elk Hills) Albert Fall: Sec. of Interior: Teapot Dome (and Elk Hills) Scandal: leased govt. land to oil explorers (Sinclair and Scandal: leased govt. land to oil explorers (Sinclair and Doheny – both acquitted) for personal gain / bribe (land, Doheny – both acquitted) for personal gain / bribe (land, cattle, loans, totaling about $400,000): fired, fined cattle, loans, totaling about $400,000): fired, fined $100,000, imprisoned (first Cabinet Sec to go to jail.) $100,000, imprisoned (first Cabinet Sec to go to jail.) (slide)(slide)

So much for “normalcy”So much for “normalcy”

1920s 2.1C Albert B. Fall (far left) former Secretary of the

Interior.

1920s 2.2B

1920s 2.2D

Caption: “The First Good Laugh They’ve Had in Years”

Harding died of a heart attack in 1923Harding died of a heart attack in 1923

Coolidge took over and then won 1924 election: honest, Coolidge took over and then won 1924 election: honest, dour, didn’t like being President, took a back seat to dour, didn’t like being President, took a back seat to Cabinet, delegated, “silent Cal” , investigated corruption in Cabinet, delegated, “silent Cal” , investigated corruption in the party and ousted those responsible (slides)the party and ousted those responsible (slides)

Conservative, anti-Progressive, like Harding: Laissez Faire Conservative, anti-Progressive, like Harding: Laissez Faire govt. policies: Pro-business; “the business of America is govt. policies: Pro-business; “the business of America is business”business”

Allowed monopolies, trusts to form or reform: continued Allowed monopolies, trusts to form or reform: continued trend of war years; further erosion of Progressive regulation trend of war years; further erosion of Progressive regulation or trust bustingor trust busting

1920s 2.1D

Vice President Coolidge being sworn in as President

1920s 2.1E

President Coolidge with presidential transition team.

1920s 2.1F

President Calvin Coolidge with family at White House.

1920s 2.1G

Coolidge, Mellon, and Hoover.

1920s 2.2E

“Poor Picking”

1920s 2.2H

“Doing it Right”

1920s 2.2F

Appointed conservative businessmen to ICC, FTC – who Appointed conservative businessmen to ICC, FTC – who did nothing to interfere with big business did nothing to interfere with big business

Appointed conservatives to Supreme Court – also did not Appointed conservatives to Supreme Court – also did not enforce anti-trust legislationenforce anti-trust legislation

Presidential Election of 1928: Hoover v Smith (slides)Presidential Election of 1928: Hoover v Smith (slides)

Smith, the “happy warrior”: Irish American Catholic, Smith, the “happy warrior”: Irish American Catholic, favored immigration, end of prohibition, regulation or favored immigration, end of prohibition, regulation or nationalization of utilities, public health plan, workers nationalization of utilities, public health plan, workers compensation…. Progressivism: represented urban compensation…. Progressivism: represented urban America (slide)America (slide)

Hoover: conservative businessman, Laissez Faire, Hoover: conservative businessman, Laissez Faire, creationism / fundamentalist, rural America, nativist, anti-creationism / fundamentalist, rural America, nativist, anti-ProgressiveProgressive

1920s 2.1I Herbert Hoover speaking in New York

City

1920s 2.2C

Caption of 1928 cartoon reads: “Puritan civilization, which has built a sturdy, orderly nation is threatened by Smith”

1920s 2.1J

Alfred E. Smith ( center) the Democratic challenger in the election of 1928

Hoover won, but Smith carried the 12 largest cities in Hoover won, but Smith carried the 12 largest cities in US…showed urban v rural cultural and political divideUS…showed urban v rural cultural and political divide

1920s 1.1J

Cartoon showing government in the 1920’s as a bewildered Little Old Lady in the Shoe