Social changes in 1920s America

Question 1

Migration and a changing population

Answer 1

People became suspicious of immigrants who they thought threatened the American way of life.
1921 Emergency Immigration Law: European immigrants at 3% of the population in 1911.
1924 Johnson-Reed Act: Banned immigrants from Japan

Question 2

Attitudes to minorities

KKK

Answer 2

• KKK membership in 1921 = 100,000
• Feared immigration and felt that blacks were going to take over.
• Influence: Could control police and politicians in some areas at their peak
• Impact on blacks: stimulated northern immigration.Increased support for civil rights groups.
• Collapsed due to corruption from Klan leaders. 1929 = 20,000

Question 3

Fear of Communism

Answer 3

• Increased in WW1 aftermath, as did industrial unrest.
• Led by Mitchell Palmer, red scare saw threat of communist revolt blamed on immigrants.
• Palmer raids arrested 6,000 immigrants.
• Extent of communist support was exaggerated. Union unrest usually over better pay - not revolution.
• Sacco and Vanzetti: Italian immigrants accused of armed robbery in 1920 - executed in 1927.

Question 4

Prohibition

Answer 4

• 1918 = 18th amendment banned sale, transportation, and manufacture of liquor.
• Supported by women’s groups, businesses, and religious groups - alcohol caused negative and abusive behaviour.
• Successful in small, rural towns. Road safety and work safety improved.
• Failed; impossible to police; little funding; smuggling; bootleggers; moonshine. Only 5% of illegal alcohol intercepted.
• FDR ended prohibition in 1933 (20th amendment)

Question 5

Gangsterism and organised crime

Answer 5

• Prohibition - criminalised millions who just wanted a drink.
• Working class saloons closed down, middle class speakeasies were successful.
• Al Capone did $70 million worth of business.
• Police corruption in urban areas dominated by gangs.
• Gangsterism continued after prohibition ended.

Question 6

Changing role of women

Answer 6

• Surface: 1920s liberated women. - reality was different.
• Flappers: “Liberated” young women who attended public places and parties unchaperoned.
• Politics: 1920 - 20th amendment gave women the right to vote. 2 of 435 delegates were female.
• Employment: More opportunities but not managerial; still expected to be married and care for children.
• Birth control: Govt unsympathetic. 1921 Sheppard-Towner act aided healthcare for pregnant women.
• Traditional views of the role remained in the majority.