An introduction to….

The War is Over- The War is Over- What Now?What Now?

•Major Question- Would America Major Question- Would America pick up right where we left off pick up right where we left off before WWI? before WWI? – We are a major world power, right? What

does that mean for us? Will we continued to increase our role in international events?

– Will we return to Progressivism? (remember- destruction of monopolies, The Jungle, Food and Drug Administration, first national parks, etc.)

– What about minorities – women, black Americans, etc. Do they have a new role and increased role now?

The First President of The First President of the 20’s Believed We the 20’s Believed We

Should Return to Should Return to “Normalcy”“Normalcy”• Reflected a belief that after

the turmoil of the Progressive Era and WWI, Americans were sick of conflict and controversy

• Desire for security at home & in the world

• 1920 Election: – Warren Harding elected President– 60% of popular vote– Campaign mantra: “America’s

present need is not heroics, but healing…normalcy”

Desire for Normalcy Desire for Normalcy leads to…leads to…• Foreign Policy of Isolationism

– U.S. did not join the League of Nations– Decided to reduce naval power– Increased tariffs - discouraged foreign trade

• Pro Business Policies (‘gov. messed with business too much in the Progressive Era- now gov. should help business) – Gov. built miles of roads to support auto-industry

• Ford Motors- key player, assembly line, efficiency – Federal interference with labor protests (gov. tries to

end strikes) – Reduced regulation on hours, wages, working

conditions

Challenges to Challenges to “Normalcy”…“Normalcy”…• Legacy of Progressive Reformers

• Immigrants• Labor Unions• Women’s suffrage movement• African Americans• Communism/radical ideologies

The era between WWI and WWII was filled with conflict Between the desire for “normalcy” and the modernization

Of the American people.