Cultural Confrontations of the 1920’s: KKK, Scopes Trial

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Cultural Confrontations of the 1920’s The 1920s were a time of change for the United States. Following the First World War there was a rush of new cultural, social, and artistic dynamism, partly fuelled by the Progressivism movement that was cut short when American entered the Great War. This decade was defined by a change from more rural farm life to industrialism in big cities. The shift from the frugality and traditional family values or previous generations to the happy-go-lucky consumerism and metropolitan life occurred more rapidly than any other social shift in living memory. These swiftly changing tides caused cultural clashes and confrontations throughout the decade as America struggled to define for itself a fresh national identity in the wake of its new position as a world power. During WWI, the United States military armed African-American soldiers and sent them to fight on the front lines. Returning home at the end of the war, many white veterans resented the arming of these African-American soldiers. Conversely, the returning African-American soldiers greatly resented being sent home and back to a life as a second class citizen. Perhaps as an effort to seek some kind of revenge on the black soldiers, or possibly as an attempt to quell the slowly growing equality of African-Americans, the Klu Klux Klan experienced a drastic upswing in membership during the 1920s. Originally founded in 1865 the Klu Klux Klan experienced an upswing in membership during the 1920s after the war. The Klan opened its first base in Oregon after its revival in central California. Historians note that one reason why many influential white Americans may have supported the Klan was because the Klan was in favor of prohibition, the ... ... middle of paper ... ...g tight to the belief that before long, their beloved nation would be able to return to its former glory of the post WWI decade. Works Cited "1920s Automobiles and Road Transportation." 1920s Automobiles. 2005. 1920s-30s.com. 15 Feb. 2009 . "1920s Travel and Transportation." 1920s Travel. 1920s-30s.com. 15 Feb. 2009 . Hakim, Joy. War, Peace and All That Jazz. New York: Oxford UP, Incorporated, 1995. Heinrichs, Tim. "American Life in the Twenties." Discussion 3, Topic 9. Washington, Bellevue. 18 Feb. 2009. American Life in the Twenties. Blackboard Vista, Bellevue Community College. 18 Feb. 2009 . "Introduction the KKK." White Christian Revival. Knights Party. 16 Feb. 2009 .

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