The Numerous Changes and Opportunities of the Roaring Twenties

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The 1920’s, or rather known as the roaring twenties, were an exuberant era filled with prohibition, speakeasies, and wild youth. Within this time, the robust economy was booming with stocks increasing rapidly, causing people to get rich quick. During the twenties, life was brilliant with numerous opportunities including changes within politics, women’s rights and racial prejudice. The era was undergoing changes of racial prejudice. Racial prejudice is hostility toward people of another race or color or of an alien culture (Merriam-Webster). During the twenties, immigration took a spike upwards. With all these religions and ethnically different people put in one country, tensions were bound to rise. As tensions arose, so did hateful crime groups, a common one known as the Ku Klux Klan. The Klan was started in 1866 by a ex-Confederate solider (“The Ku Klux Klan”). The KKK would have spurs of activity but would die down again. During the 1920’s however, the Klan became mildly popular once more. The Klan was mainly advertising for white superiority and mainly targeted the African Americans but went after any “non white” groups (“The Ku Klux Klan”). Racial prejudice also continued with the Jim Crow Laws. These laws would limit where different races could drink water, use the restroom, as well as eat (Ferris State University). This era faced many cultural and political changes, that not all Americans were ready to deal with, but would soon have to face. The twenties also brought changes within our constitution. The 18th Amendment is when the United States Constitution prohibited the manufacture, sale, transport, import, or export of alcoholic beverages (“The 18th Amendment”). Due to this law, many people would frequent speakeasies... ... middle of paper ... ...g for his election, he promised prosperity and continued growth of the economy, however this did not happen. (“Herbert Hoover”) In 1929 the stock market crashed, causing the United States to plummet into the Great Depression. Due to Americans loosing money and no job opportunities, many people were forced to live in small towns commonly known as Hoovervilles. Hoover did not do much to help the economy and suffering people. He believed in a limited role for government and worried that excessive federal intervention posed a threat to capitalism and individualism (“Herbert Hoover”). Because of this, he vetoed many bills that would have helped struggling Americans. The 1920’s was an era of contrasts- great highs and miserable lows. Starting with the roaring twenties and ending with the Great Depression, Americans would have to fight to achieve prosperity once more.

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