1. 1920s: More Cultural Conflicts

2. Rural vs. Urban Life Urban Life Rural Life
Background: By 1920, more than ½ of Americans lived in the cities. These numbers continued to accelerate throughout the 20s
Rural Life
Conservative
moral values
Close social relationships
Slow paced
Urban Life
Tolerated drinking, gambling and casual dating
Impersonal / anonymous
Fast-paced
Crowded

4. Prohibition: Wets vs. Drys
Began in 1920 with the 18th amendment; ended in 1933 with the 21st amendment
Banned the manufacture, sale and transportation of alcoholic beverages
Drys
Considered alcohol a prime cause of
Corruption
Crime
Child / wife abuse
Accidents on the job
Many reformers included Protestants from the rural South and West
Wets
Wanted to enjoy their life
Drinking was a natural part of socializing
Especially to many immigrants
Resented government meddling

5. Effects of Prohibition
Disrespect for the law
People went around the law
Speakeasies
Hidden saloons and nightclubs
Bootleggers
People who smuggled alcohol into the US and sold it
Criminals found a new source of income
Via bootlegging
Organized Crime Grew
In nearly every major city
Al Capone = most notorious Prohibition era gangster
Bootlegging empire netted over $60 Million a year

6. Science vs. Religion Science Secular thinkers
In favor of more modern ideas
Supported the theory of evolution
American Fundamentalists
Protestants who believed in a literal, non-symbolic interpretation of the bible
All stories in the bible were true
Skeptical of science
Against the theory of evolution
Scopes Trial: 1925, John T. Scopes from Tennessee was put on trial for teaching evolution in his biology class. He was found guilty

7. 19th Century vs. 20th Century Women
In the rebellious, pleasure-seeking atmosphere of the 20s, many women began to assert their independence, reject the values of the 19th century and demand the same freedoms as men
19th century Women:
Duties centered around being a wife and mother
Limited opportunities outside the home
Unequal rights
20th Century Women:
Gaining rights
Becoming more assertive
The Flapper
More job opportunities outside the home