The Roaring Twenties
After WWI, the US emerged as a world power.
Most Americans wanted to focus on domestic (home) issues instead of dealing with the problems of the world.
“A Return to Normalcy” Republican Warren G. Harding promised a return to the way life was before WWI.
Surrounded himself with many political friends called “The Ohio Gang” = return to the Spoils System (giving friends jobs
Tea Pot Dome Scandal Pres. Harding is
betrayed by his friends in the “Ohio Gang”
Albert Fall leased land in Tea Pot Dome, Wyoming to oil companies in exchange for bribes.
Albert Fall was tried and found guilty, first cabinet member sent to prison
“Keep Cool with Cal”
Harding dies unexpectedly from a heart attack in 1923.
Vice President Calvin Coolidge becomes President of the US. The “Roaring Twenties” would begin.
Foreign PolicyDisarmament: the reduction or limitation of military arms. Washington Naval Arms Conference 1921
Kellogg-Briand Pact 1928 (outlaws war)
Business Fever
America experienced economic good times in the 1920s due to production during WWI.
Affordable cars.Ford Model-TBy 1924 prices dropped from $850 to $290
** Helped to stimulate other markets– steel, rubber, fuel etc…**
Buy now, pay later…
• Installment buying – Buying on credit– Helped American’s buy things they could not pay for all at once
A Bull MarketAfter WWI, the US experienced a strong economy and with it a“Bull”stock market. Buying stocks was almost a fad of the 1920’s. Many people had extra money to invest in stocks or shares of companies.
“Buying on Margin”
Stocks were so profitable that people began buying stocks on margin or borrowing money in order to buy stocks. It was possible to literally become wealthy overnight.
“Buying on Margin”
Investor buys stock on margin
Stock Prices Rise
Investor pays off loan and makes a profit.
Stock Prices Fall
Investor must put more money into the margin account, or sell stock, losing part or all of the original investment.
New Ways of Life
• Prohibition – Ban on making and selling alcohol.
– 18th amendment – Bootleggers smuggled in alcohol
– Speakeasies illegal bars
Harlem Renaissance
A period of vibrant African American culture in the 1920’s.
Many African American poets, musicians, and writers would settle in Harlem, NYC and use their experiences from prejudice and discrimination in their works.
A Mass Society
• Movies helped to create a new national culture in the U.S.A.
• Radio’s became very popular in the 1920’s.
**Helped to create various fads a style or activity that lasts a short time**