Social Tensions Flashcards
Why did Americans fear communism?
As competition for system of governance that went against many capitalist ideals
Why did an increase in strikes led by the Industrial Workers of the World increase fear?
Because communism offered workers’ rights and workers wanted better rights so people feared an uprising
What created more fear because people believed communists were trying to disrupt capitalism and offer support in the form of a new communist government?
- Hysteria and mobs created by the press
- Police attacks
- “Heavy-handed” tactics used by employers
Palmer Raids
Arrests driven be Mitchell Palmer upon anyone suspected of being a “red”
The American Legion
An organisation supporting capitalism and the core values of America
Why were Nicola Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti charged with the death penalty?
They were found guilty of murdering a shoe factory’s paymaster and robbing him on the 15th April 1920
Why did supporters campaign for a new trial?
They claimed the original was unfair and the Judge had been biased against their anarchist views, also evidence did not show that they were “guilty beyond reasonable doubt”
What was the Lowell Commitee?
Set up in 1927 to investigate whether Sacco and Vanzetti had a fair trial
When and where did the KKK begin?
The southern states of America after the civil war
Who revived the KKK in 1915?
William J.Simmonds
The KKK mainly targeted
Black Americans using methods such as lynching, beating and hanging targets
What did Klansmen see themselves as defenders of?
Decent American values fighting for native, white, Protestant supremacy and Southern State rights
What were the Jim Crow Laws?
Segregatory laws mainly in the South
What was the Harlem Renaissance?
An explosion of creativity in the black community in Harlem NYC
The Nation Association for the Advancement of Coloured People
Intended to work with Americans to persuade people to change
The Universal Negro Improvement Association
Intended to work only with Black Americans
When was prohibition introduced?
Jan 1920
How many states were already “dry” by 1919?
33
Why was prohibition introduced?
- The American Medical Association opposed alcohol
- Employers wanted sober workers to improve the economy, reduce absenteeism and promote hard-work
- Brewing was a non-essential use of hops and food was needed after WW1
- Big German-named brewing companies were met opposition
- Propaganda from the Temperance Movement aided in the rejection of alcohol since it was associated with violence, laziness, corruption, immigrants, poverty, crime and family misery
- The Anti Saloon League (1893) and the Women’s Christian Temperance Union (1874) were in support of prohibition
What did President Warren Garnalied Harding like to drink?
Whisky
Bootleg
Illegal smuggled alcohol
Speakeasy
Underground illegal alcohol bar
What was the largest distillery and who led it?
Seagrams and Sam Bronfman
What was Captain Bill McCoy famous for?
Smuggling Caribbean rum
In the 1930s how many US prohibition agents were there?
3000
What percentage of prohibition agents were sacked for corruption?
10%
What were Izzy Einstein and Moe Smith famous for?
95% conviction rate
How long did Izzy Einstein and Moe Smith reckon it took to get a drink in most US cities?
30 minutes
Who was Al(phonso) Capone?
- Came from Naples, born in New York 1894
- Moved to Chicago and worked for Johnny Torio managing the Four Deuces
What was the Four Deuces?
Torrio’s whorehouse, saloon and gambling den
