Anxiety And Intolerance In The 1920's

The Treaty of Versailles, which ended World War I, was drafted at the Paris Peace Conference in 1919 and formed by Great Britain, France, Italy, and the United States. The United States was now entering the 1920’s, a period that brought a flourishing economy but also a more conservative government that focused more on businesses than its own people. The reign of progressive presidents was over and a new man was taking office, Warren G. Harding. America started to become more anti-immigrant as well. Despite accomplishments such as the assembly line and women's rights that helped fuel cultural innovation and liberation, the 1920’s should be noted as a decade of anxiety and intolerance because of groups including the KKK and gangs that fueled anxiety and intolerance. Even though the economy was on the move, the 1920s was an important time in regards to anxiety and intolerance. The KKK and gangs were causing a lot of disruption in America. The KKK was upset because of the new times in America. They were not accustomed to the change that was going in America. They were deeply upset and they lashed out in opposition by holding marches and cross burnings. Gangs were also a major problem
The prohibition laws and gangs of this time fit it quite nicely with a novel published by F. Scott Fitzgerald - “The Great Gatsby,” which constantly mentioned these themes. In this novel, Fitzgerald stressed the consumer culture and fascination with wealth that was overpowering in the 1920’s. Women were also trying to push ahead on the social ladder. They formed the National Women's Party, which called for an amendment for equal rights. Even though there were technological and social advancements during this time, including the assembly line and more rights for women, anxiety and intolerance still dominated the playing field in 1920’s