How the 20s were a time filled with controversy: social evolutive concepts and primitive ideas

Should the 1920s really by described as the “ Roaring Twenties” or an age of primitivism and conservatism?”

The Roaring Twenties was a decade of drastic changes in social norms within society, and time period in which the U. S. economy was very strong, however, the government and some groups, like the KKK, could have been characterized as rather conservative and primitive.

New forms of mass communication media revolutionized the United States. New means of communication media were introduced, such as radio, movies and new forms of journalism. These new means of mass media changed the social norms, and people began to mimic what they saw and heard. Movie stars and athletes became ever-so-popular and drew in fans to watch them. Tabloids became increasingly popular as more and more individuals became interested in gossip. As music from different regions of the U. S. became more accessible due to the phonograph and radio, musicians from certain regions became popular all over the United States The movie stars, athletes and musicians became iconic figures in the eyes of Americans. However, the emergence of a new iconic figure, the flapper, really characterized the Roaring Twenties. Women were, at the time, supposed to cover themselves head to toe, be respectful, and subordinate to their husbands. The flapper contradicted all of the components previously mentioned. But, like the textbook says, this wasn’t relatively new, it just became more common.

The U. S. came out of the Great War as the greatest creditor in the world. The many nations of Europe were in debt to the U. S. and the U. S. economy was as strong as ever. The U. S., as the leading nation in the world in terms of economy, changed its foreign policies to further benefit itself.

After the ban of the manufacturing, sale, and consumption of alcohol, the U. S. witnessed an unprecedented growth in law-breaking and crime. Speakeasies were created, where drinkers could drink without being harassed by the Prohibition Bureau. Even if they were caught, they would simply bribe the Bureau officials, who would take the bribes with no problems. It was too hard to enforce any laws stopping the consumption of alcohol. Because liquor was illegal, the only way to get it was though the black market. Notorious organized crime figure Al Capone, were well known for their bootlegging businesses.

Not everyone was happy with all these dramatic changes, however. The Ku Klux Klan rose to power again in 1915 and started its reign of terror, this time to African Americans, Catholics and Jews. They, also, were for prohibition, and couldn’t stand the people who drank. They even terrorized white Protestants who they saw drinking. Religious fundamentalism became popular as well. Literal interpretations of the Bible were emphasized, and Darwin’s theories were rejected, which led to much controversy. This reflected primitive ways, as people became more religious, and didn’t tolerate drinking. This also reflected conservatism as well, as some groups opposed drastic changes in society and wanted everything to remain the same.

The 1920s should be described as both the “ Roaring Twenties” and an age of primitivism and conservatism, as in reality it was both. People enjoyed all the new changes in societal norms, such as in fashion, and mass media, while on the other hand, many people wanted to be conservative and keep the old ways.