The Roaring Twenties: Shaping Modern America

America as we know it today comes from this time. During this era, there was significant political radicalism. The Sedition Act occurred, and with it, any "ism" not Republican or Democrat was eliminated. Activities considered anti-American included the "Red Scare" (where America rejected communism totally), socialism (maintaining a two-party system of Republicans and Democrats), and anarchism (where radicals used to set off bombs).

The Noble Experiment: Prohibition and Its Failures

Alcoholic beverages were forbidden under the "Noble Experiment," which was a total failure. With this prohibition, temperance movements arrived. Intoxicating liquors were banned, and a new slang was created, including terms like:

• Bootlegging
• Speakeasy
• Moonshine
• Rum running
• Bathtub gin

There were several failures associated with this era. Some Muslim communities banned alcohol for religious reasons. Organized crime did what they wanted because the law wasn't enforced, and the US lost millions of dollars in revenue to criminal organizations. In "dry" counties, laws varied by state:

1. Massachusetts: Selling alcohol was not allowed on Sundays. High taxes on alcoholic beverages led to the nickname "Taxachusetts."
2. New Hampshire: Selling alcohol was allowed by state liquor stores on Sundays, so people drove there to buy it.

Prohibition finally ended in 1933.

Racial Unrest and the Trial of the Century

Regarding racial unrest, this period saw race riots because blacks were accused of killing whites, and lynching still existed. Many African-Americans migrated from the South to the North. The "new" hatred targeted not only blacks but also Jews, Catholics, and immigrants. There were two famous trials, often called the "Trial of the Century." These trials showcased the mood of racial unrest and distrust of immigrants. After the trial, anarchists and Italian immigrants were executed. With the "Scopes Monkey Trial," there was a debate over liberty of speech and thinking; however, the Evolution theory was taken out of some American schools because it was considered "anti-God." People were radically in favor or against it, and these famous trials became a media circus.

The Republican Decade and Laissez-Faire Economics

During the Republican Decade, there was no government intervention in the economy, a policy known as "laissez-faire." With the Modern Consumer Culture, the automobile became a symbol of the new consumer society.

The Impact of Henry Ford and Alfred Sloan

Henry Ford believed that while his employees' work was boring, paying them double wages would allow them to buy Ford products. He also improved the assembly line. Conversely, Alfred Sloan thought that since some people could pay more than others, everyone should have a vehicle tailored to their means. This era saw a Revolution in Advertising and the creation of a highway system.

New Ways of Buying

Regarding purchasing habits, installment plans and chain stores became increasingly popular.