Modernism in American Life

Modernism in American Life

The United States experienced a myriad of events after World War 1. For instance, the country saw majority of its citizen’s move into urban areas due to easy movements as a result of growth of the vehicle industry. This period was also characterized by Charleston dance and flapper fashions. Besides, the country experienced a decline in moral values which resulted to an end of its open migration rules. For instance, there was the revival of the Ku Klux Klan, the Red Scare and immigration policy and the fundamentalist revival.

The Ku Klux Klan was an organization that was formed by white individuals from the southern states such as Atlanta and Chicago during reconstruction. The organization believed in law and order and immigration limitations. Besides, this group was only open to native-born Protestants majority of whom were the working class who were in competition for jobs, and housing with African Americans and other immigrants (ILLINOIS LEGISLATIVE INVESTIGATING COMMISSION 87). The organization had a big impact on politics in areas such as Indiana and Oregon as it led to the election of influential leaders. The organization was in support of prohibition which failed due to limited funds. For instance, it was against alcohol consumption which led to people brewing their alcohol at home. Prohibition was repealed in 1993 with the ratification of the Twenty-first Amendment.

The end of the war also led to the revival of fundamentalist Protestants. The secular way of life during that period seemed to have little recognition of religion leading to the rise of the movement to defend religious beliefs in 1920. The movement was categorically against the theory of evolution by Charles Darwin and led to the passing of laws that barred the teaching of evolution in several states in America (Trollinger 12). However, the law was challenged by John Scopes a high school teacher in Tennessee. Attorneys representing both sides battled in a court of law, the first case to be broadcasted on radio due to its sensitivity. John was found guilty of going against the country’s anti-evolution statute and fined 100 dollars.

The end of the war also led to the rise of the Red Scare Movement due to the escalating fear of communism among the Americans. The first red scare took place in 1917-1920 as Americans feared that Russia would take over the American government as part of an international revolution (Reese 22). The second red scare was led by Senator Joseph McCarthy.  He promised the people to release the list of all communists and their sympathizers leading to the Johnson-Reed Act of 1924. This act contained laws that were put in place to deal with individuals who went against immigration laws. Such laws barred individuals of Asian origin from migrating into America. Additionally, the laws denied Chinese people access to the country and only allowed individuals from countries such as France, Germany, and Britain to enter the country.

In conclusion, the end of a world war led to a myriad of events in the U.S.A. For instance, it led to the rise of the Red Scare Movement due to increased tension about communism by the people. Additionally, it led to the revival of fundamentalist Protestants who were fighting for their religious beliefs and the rise of the Ku Klux Klan fighting for the rights of Native American people.

Works Cited

ILLINOIS LEGISLATIVE INVESTIGATING COMMISSION. “KU KLUX KLAN.” Authoritv of the State of Illinois (1976): 1-175.

Reese, Michael. “The Cold War and Red Scare in Washington State.” Center for the Study of the Pacific Northwest (2016): 1-42.

Trollinger, William Vance. “Protestantism and Fundamentalism.” University of Dayton e Commons (2003): 1-16.

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Modernism in American Life

Paper details
The 1920s marked the arrival of “modernism” in American life. Although many Americans celebrated the
transitions in culture and society, others believed that traditional values were being attacked and undermined.
The turbulence of the immediate post-war era and the backlash against modernism resulted in the rise of the
Ku Klux Klan, restrictions on immigration, and a rejection of radicalism.
For this assignment you will select 3 examples that demonstrate the ways Americans reacted to changes in
American society in the years after World War I.