1920s Speech

The 1920s was a decade that saw many changes from personal to corporate levels. The economy saw big boom, education was emphasized, and religion and faith was tested. In all three of these societies new groups either formed or emerged because of all the changes that were developing through this amazing decade. People started to move in and out of the city on a regular basis, educational clubs and organizations were formed, and there was a division among American Protestantism.

            A long period of prosperity and growth began because the aftermath of World War I weakened several European industries. The United States was now the strongest industrial power and they took advantage of this opportunity. The weak European industry was a temporary boost for America but in the long run technology was a very important factor in the economy’s growth. Automobiles made it easier for people to commute from the suburb to the city. This created an increase in the demand for suburban housing causing a boom in the construction industry.

            Education became a very important factor in the American culture of the 1920s. More people were attending schools but also spending more time at school. This led students to develop their own social pattern, hobbies, interests and activities. Now that more students are attending school there was a new generation called the Lost Generation. People in this generation felt alienated from modern society and they were unhappy about American society in peacetime.

            Lastly Nativism was a very important part of America’s new and developing culture during this decade. Nativism helped instigate the rebirth of the Ku Klux Klan and they started to target more people than just blacks. Nativism also created a division among American Protestantism into two sides. One side supported modernism and the other believed in traditional values and faith. The supporters of traditional values were soon to be known as fundamentalists. These people opposed scientists like Charles Darwin and his idea of creationism.

            A lot happened in this decade. Automobiles opened up the construction industry, fraternities and sororities were created, and the Ku Klux Klan was reborn. The economy saw a big boom, education was becoming more important, and religious groups were starting to spring up. Often people are hesitant about change but the people of the 1920s were open to anything after the small recession in the early years of the decade.