american pageant chapter 23 notes

3 min read 01-02-2025

This outline provides comprehensive notes on Chapter 23 of American Pageant, focusing on the political, economic, and social landscape of the 1920s and early 1930s in the United States. We'll examine the era's defining characteristics, key figures, and the events leading to the Great Depression.

The Roaring Twenties: A Decade of Contrasts

This period, characterized by economic prosperity and social change, masked underlying weaknesses that would ultimately contribute to the Great Depression.

Economic Boom and its Discontents:

Prosperity's uneven distribution: While the economy boomed, the benefits were not equally shared. Farmers struggled with falling prices, and many industrial workers faced low wages and poor working conditions despite the overall economic growth. This created significant social and economic inequalities.
Technological advancements: The automobile industry's rise, fueled by Henry Ford's assembly line, revolutionized transportation and manufacturing, creating new jobs but also contributing to urban sprawl and environmental concerns. Other technological advances further fueled the economic expansion.
Consumer culture: Mass production and advertising led to a surge in consumerism, with installment buying and credit becoming increasingly prevalent. This fueled short-term economic growth but laid the foundation for future debt accumulation.

Social and Cultural Transformations:

Prohibition: The 18th Amendment's ban on alcohol led to widespread lawlessness, the rise of organized crime, and a flourishing speakeasy culture. This highlighted the tensions between social reform and individual liberty.
Changing morals: The "Roaring Twenties" witnessed a shift in social norms, particularly regarding women's roles and sexual behavior. The flapper symbolized this changing attitude.
Immigration restrictions: The rise of nativism and anti-immigrant sentiment led to restrictive immigration quotas, reflecting a shift in national identity and social attitudes.

The Republican Era: Harding, Coolidge, and Hoover

The 1920s were dominated by Republican presidents who championed laissez-faire economics and limited government intervention.

Warren G. Harding (1921-1923):

"Return to normalcy": Harding's presidency emphasized a return to traditional values and limited government involvement after World War I. This appeal resonated with many Americans weary of war and social upheaval.
Scandals: Harding's administration was plagued by corruption scandals, tarnishing the image of the Republican Party.

Calvin Coolidge (1923-1929):

Pro-business policies: Coolidge continued Harding's pro-business policies, promoting economic growth through tax cuts and deregulation. His administration largely reflected the era's laissez-faire approach.
Limited government: Coolidge believed in minimal government intervention in the economy and social affairs, a philosophy that profoundly impacted the era's economic policies.

Herbert Hoover (1929-1933):

Initial optimism: Hoover initially believed in the inherent resilience of the American economy and advocated for voluntary cooperation between businesses and government to address economic challenges.
The Great Depression: Hoover's presidency was largely defined by the Great Depression, which began with the stock market crash of 1929. His initial responses proved insufficient to address the crisis's severity and widespread impact.
Growing criticism: As the Depression deepened, Hoover faced mounting criticism for his handling of the economic crisis and his perceived lack of empathy for the suffering populace. His policies, seen as too conservative and slow to act, contributed to his unpopularity.

The Road to the Great Depression: Underlying Economic Weaknesses

Several factors contributed to the Great Depression's severity and longevity.

Overproduction and underconsumption: Mass production outpaced consumer demand, leading to surpluses and falling prices in several key industries.
Unequal distribution of wealth: The widening gap between the rich and the poor limited consumer spending power among the majority of the population.
Agricultural distress: Farmers struggled throughout the 1920s with low crop prices and high debt, impacting rural economies significantly.
Financial instability: Speculative investment in the stock market, coupled with easy credit, created a bubble that eventually burst, triggering the 1929 stock market crash.
International economic instability: The global economy was interconnected and vulnerable to shocks, with the Depression impacting countries worldwide.

This chapter sets the stage for the New Deal era, highlighting the failures of the laissez-faire approach and the urgent need for government intervention to address the economic crisis. Understanding the political and economic landscape of the 1920s is crucial for comprehending the impact and legacy of the Great Depression.