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Historical Influences Of The 1920's

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Historical Influences Of The 1920's
Historical Influences of the Roaring Twenties
Roaring Twenties
The Jazz Age, the Age of Intolerance, The Age of Wonderful Nonsense was the era better known as the Roaring Twenties. This era pioneered the way to modern America. This decade followed the conclusion of World War I, “the war to end all wars”. The United States experienced a radical change socially, economically, politically and innovatively. The 1920’s would be an era where the identity of the United States would evolve and become a staple in modern society. “The most vivid impressions of that era are flappers and dance halls, movie palaces and radio empires and prohibition and speakeasies.” (Zeitz, n.d.)
This decade influenced urbanism and modernism, science …show more content…
The Act of 1921 had decreased the number of Japanese and Eastern European immigrants entering the United States. The Act identified who could enter as a "non-quota" immigrant; this category included wives and unmarried children (under 18 years of age) of U.S. citizens, residents of the Western hemisphere, religious or academic professionals, and “bona-fide students” under 15 years of age. Those not in any of these categories were referred to as a “quota immigrant” and were subject to annual numerical limitations (The Immigration Act, …show more content…
By 1916 almost half the states banned saloons and alcohol distribution. The Eighteenth Amendment in 1919 as implemented by the Volstead Act created the legal abolition of alcohol. This amendment was supported by many women and crusading churches. The Volstead Act banned drinks with alcohol content above 3.2% and so began the era of Prohibition (The Volstead Act, 1920). Prohibition led to bootleggers manufacturing and selling liquor in hidden taverns and speakeasies (unlawful saloons) with no law enforcement and violence erupting due to prohibition gangsters took over local businesses. Prohibition led the way to gangsterism due to large profits from the sale of illegal alcohol. The value of alcohol at that time was high due to its scarcity. One of the most notable gangsters was Al “Scarface” Capone of Chicago. Al Capone smuggled alcohol throughout the Midwest becoming one of the largest crime bosses in the Chicago area. He was responsible for alcohol and drug smuggling, murder and organized crime. Within two years, Capone earning $60 million a year in alcohol sales and an additional $45 million in other activities. Gangs and violence rose during this era, especially in Chicago where 227 gangsters were killed in the span of four years (Origins of Prohibition,
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