Differing Vision of America’s Future

Prior to the 1920’s, the United States was a nation pieced together with opposing viewpoints, interests, and ideas. As the pieces started to come together, tensions began to erupt between those holding onto the past and those looking towards the future. Although each side had a different vision of America’s future, both contributed a large impact on the arts, people, and lifestyle of the United States.
In the several areas of the United States, people expressing their thoughts of “modernization” through the arts. Sinclair Lewis was an American novelist and in Babbitt, he depicted the new typical American man. His day-to-day life is controlled by superior beings around him; such as priests and government officials. However, this new typical American man has become more concerned with the materialistic goods around him. Lewis believed there was a crisis beginning in America due to the dependency of this new lifestyle on materialistic goods as a substitution for the real joys of life. (Doc A) Others, however, saw this new modernization as a positive. In 1922, Joseph Stella created The Bridge, representing the advancements of architectural innovations. Architecture had come a long ways and these modern advancements were benefiting America has a whole. (Doc B) Also, the art of religion was changing. Sister McPherson promoted an idea of a happy and less fearful religious view. She described a possible vision of Heaven and all the beauty it will hold. She replace the fear sin and Hell with a happier and more peaceful version of religion. (Doc I) Although many sided with Stella and Sister McPherson and their visions of “new,” some, such as Sinclair Lewis, believed America was heading in the wrong direct. But the need for new attitudes a...

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...to turn towards. (Doc D) Some disagreements of lifestyle even made their way into court. The Tennessee Evolution Case showed the varying opinions on evolution. More and more the ideas of modern science were becoming accepted, while the traditional forms of religion fought to keep their reigning power. This trial helped promote the idea that there is not just one correct interpretation of religion, but it can still continue its importance in American life. (Doc C) These tensions continued to divide Americans on how their lifestyles should continue.
During the 1920’s, Americans expressed different visions of their future. Some wanted to continue with traditional ways, while others believed modernizing our nation was the key to its success. As opinions became more openly expressed and attempted to be imposed on each other, tensions grew stronger between the two groups.