History Lecture 9/26+28 1920s

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1900-1920 progressive reform era, all major parties want some level of reform to protect workers

Few reforms 1900-1920, by 1920 the reforms stop, people want smaller government, low taxes, deregulation of business

Short term effect of all of that: economic growth. Long term effect: great depression.

20s is a big car decade, automobile production and purchasing, creating lots of jobs (car construction, highway construction, etc). Whole new industries are created: service industries, gas stations. Drove economy. Also huge consumer industry, things become more affordable and new things like radio carry ads into households.

Urban population surpasses rural population. People in urban areas tend to be more educated, more progressive, less supportive of prohibition, less anti-immigrant sentiments. Rural people less educated, highly supportive of prohibition and anti-immigrant. Much more likely to support KKK, hugely popular group in 1920s. The new Klan in 1915 was anti- anybody who wasn't a white protestant christian. Claimed to be for 100% Americanism. By mid 20's the Klan is a huge organization.

Companionate marriages