1. Modernism and Urbanism: The 1920s saw the rise of modernism, which emphasized innovation, speed, industry, and urbanization. Many Americans were drawn to large cities like New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles in pursuit of new opportunities.
2. Consumerism and Materialism: The economic prosperity of the decade sparked an increase in consumerism, leading to the rise of department stores, advertising, and mass production. Americans embraced material possessions and pursued luxurious and modern lifestyles.
3. Prohibition: The ratification of the 18th Amendment in 1920 ushered in the era of prohibition, which banned the production, sale, and transportation of alcohol. While many supported prohibition as a means to combat social ills, it led to widespread bootlegging, speakeasies, and organized crime.
4. Women's Suffrage: The 19th Amendment, passed in 1920, gave women the right to vote. The women's suffrage movement achieved significant success during this period, influencing societal changes in gender equality and women's rights.
5. African Americans and Civil Rights: Despite the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments, African Americans faced severe racial discrimination and disenfranchisement in many parts of the country. Organizations such as the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) advocated for civil rights and campaigned against segregation and discrimination.
6. Social and Sexual Liberation: The 1920s witnessed a relaxation of societal norms and traditions, particularly regarding women's roles and sexual behavior. The decade saw the emergence of flappers, women challenging conventional dress codes and social conventions. Jazz culture, with its lively music and dances, also contributed to a sense of liberation.
7. Immigration Restrictions: With the passage of the Immigration Act of 1924, the U.S. instituted significant quotas on immigration, primarily affecting Southern and Eastern European countries. These restrictions aimed to preserve American cultural and ethnic homogeneity.
8. Nativism and Isolationism: A strong sentiment of nativism and isolationism influenced American foreign policy and immigration laws. Many Americans favored isolationist policies, avoiding foreign entanglements, and focused on domestic issues.
9. Cultural and Intellectual Movements: The 1920s witnessed a flourishing of artistic, literary, and intellectual movements. Authors like F. Scott Fitzgerald and Ernest Hemingway explored themes of wealth, morality, and the pursuit of the "American Dream." Artists such as Georgia O'Keeffe made significant contributions to the visual arts.
10. Technological Innovations: The 1920s saw notable technological advancements that shaped daily life. The development of automobiles, radios, and motion pictures brought significant changes to communication, transportation, and entertainment.
These beliefs and perspectives reflected the diversity, complexities, and transformations that characterized American society during the 1920s, laying the foundation for further developments and challenges in subsequent decades.