Explain how the twenties were and were not so roaring - Essay Example

How the twenties were and were not so soaring Introduction The “roaring twenties” (1920s) was a period of economic prosperity for many groups in American but not all since some groups like farmers, immigrants and African Americans faced a lot of social, political and economic challenges during this period (Kenney 114). The spirit of the roaring twenties was marked by a general feeling of breakdown from traditions. There was economic growth and prosperity due to government policies and the boom in the construction and manufacturing sectors especially in US economy which had just come from War.

How twenties were soaring Consumerism was facilitated by influx of money in to the economies by soldiers from US and Canada who had just returned from War hence the production industry was forced to expand to meet the increased demand of goods. In 1921, President Harding signed the Emergency Tariff of 1921 which was aimed at reducing the tax rates, reducing the national debt and protecting the interests of the farmers. Overconfidence in the boom economy contributed to stock price speculation and excessive credit in the economy which led to the stock market crash and the Great Depression.

The federal expenditure was increased in order to create new job opportunities and help the industries which were collapsing. The roaring twenties saw the development of transport system and other communication technology advancements (Kenney 115). There was development of electricity manufacturing power and by 1929 all the main industries relied on electricity. Steam power provided much of the energy needs at the onset of 1920s but this was overtaken by electricity power as the decade progressed.

Mechanization of manufacturing industries progressed through the roaring twenties where new processes and methods of production were implemented. The roaring twenties also experienced mass production in the automobile industry and mass broadcasting medium invention like the radio and television. Sound recording was later invented hence businesses conducted mass advertisements through these new mediums (Kenney 116). Massive government expenditure was invested in railway construction, electrification and upgrading the highways in the hope that these new infrastructure was reap benefits in future.

Most of the local governments were in huge debts. Urbanization increased in cities and demand of white collar jobs was high. Most of the States ratified Nineteenth Amendment which gave women the right to vote thus further sparking a series of women movements who demanded more rights for women and Blacks. The twenties also were marked by the Art Deco which was architecture and design that had originated from Belgium. The film industry also flourished with emergency of the Walt Disney in late 1920s and release of color films by 1929.

New dance music emerged which influenced the rebellious middle class to change their fashion (Kenney 117). The twenties was characterized by emergence of Harlem renaissance when many black people began to take pride in their ethnicity and black culture which included music, art and literature. Black Nationalist movements were rampant in 1920s which led to expanded black civil rights (Kenney 115). The twenties saw the onset of democracy in US politics where oral voting was substituted with ballot voting.

More politicians began to appeal to the ordinary public for votes (Kenney 114).How twenties were not so soaring The roaring twenties were not so roaring for immigrants since the US and Canada enacted strict immigration laws like the American Immigration Act of 1924 which limited the immigration quota to 2 percent of the total US population. Chinese immigration Act of 1923 prohibited all immigrations from Asia while the Gentlemen’s act of America was geared at preventing Japanese immigrants (Kenney 115).

The roaring twenties also saw the prohibition of manufacture, sale, import and export of alcohol by amendment of the constitution. The period also saw the decline in trade unionism hence employee rights were jeopardized by the signing of the Espionage Act of 1917 and Sedition Act of 1918. Farmers became more skillful and efficient in food production through the use of machinery and tractors. The yields increased and food prices declined. The alcohol prohibition laws reduced markets for their crops.

The US government did not assist the farmers since the Flood Control Act of 1928 was passed to control floods along Mississippi River which farmers depended on (Kenney 117). The twenties was also characterized by the emergence of many cultural groups like the KKK which supported “American ideals” such as family cohesion, religious faith and patriotism but later resorted to violence mainly in Indiana and Oklahoma (Kenney 118).Conclusion The twenties were characterized by both boom and recession.

There advancement in manufacturing technologies and electrification. The social culture and fashion of America was altered. Several legislations like Alcohol control laws and immigrations laws made the twenties not so soaring. There was stock market crash which led to Great Depression many people lost jobs. Works cited:Kenney, Kimberly. (2003). Canton: a journey through time. Charleston. Arcadia Publications.