01:512:104 Lecture Notes - Lecture 24: Calvin Coolidge, Andrew Mellon, Welfare Capitalism
13 May 2018
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Chapter 24 - The New Era of the 1920s
I. Introduction
The 1920s witnessed a boom in consumerism, an explosion in artistic
expression, and a growth in leisure time. This change came at the expense of
many people and without regard for future problems.
II. Big Business Triumphant
A. Business Consolidation and Lobbying
The consolidation movement that began in the late nineteenth century
continued into the 1920s. Business and professional associations began to
engage in “the new lobbying.”
B. Fate of Organized Labor
Public opinion continued to be generally hostile toward unions. Some large
corporations attempted to counter the appeal of union through what is known
as welfare capitalism.
III. Politics and Government
A. Harding Administration
Harding began his presidency as a reformer.
B. Teapot Dome
Scandals and corruption plagued the Harding administration.
C. Coolidge Prosperity
Calvin Coolidge, aided by Andrew Mellon, helped private enterprise, a stance
that helped him win election in 1924.
D. State and Local Reform
Interest in reform faded in the 1920s, but some innovations occurred on the
state and local levels.
E. Indian Affairs
During the 1920s, the government conferred citizenship on all Indians and
restructured the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
F. Women and Politics
After attaining suffrage, many women continued to maintain their own
organizations through which they engaged in pressure-group politics. Most
women, like most men, did not vote.
IV. Materialism Unbound
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A. Expansion of Consumer Society
Technological advances, modern marketing, and higher wages helped
increase the number of consumers.
B. Effects of the Automobile
Mass production and competition forced automobile prices down. Cars
brought more independence, spurred road building, and increased oil
consumption.
C. Advertising
Advertising expenditures rose dramatically in the 1920s.
D. Radio
As most Americans acquired a radio, it became an influential advertising and
entertainment medium.
V. Cities, Migrants, and Suburbs
A. Farm-to-City Migration
By the 1920s, over half the people of the United States lived in urban areas.
Industrial jobs lured thousands of migrants to the cities. African Americans
made up a significant percentage of those moving to urban areas.
B. Marcus Garvey
A Jamaican immigrant, Marcus Garvey headed the Universal Negro
Improvement Association, which called for black separatism, racial pride, and
equal rights.
C. Mexican and Puerto Rican Immigrants
During the 1920s, large numbers of immigrants from Mexico and Puerto Rico
entered the United States.
D. Growth of the Suburbs
Advances in transportation allowed many people to flock to the suburbs to
escape the crowded cities.
VI. New Rhythms of Everyday Life
A. Family Time
As birth rates declined, divorce rates rose, and life expectancy increased,
adult Americans devoted less time to raising children.
B. Household Management
Ready?made clothes, processed food, and mass?produced furniture meant
Americans could spend more time on leisure activities, but housewives still
worked hard.
C. Nutrition
An emphasis on nutrition led to better diets. That fact coupled with improved
sanitation led to increased life expectancy.
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Document Summary
Chapter 24 - the new era of the 1920s. The 1920s witnessed a boom in consumerism, an explosion in artistic expression, and a growth in leisure time. This change came at the expense of many people and without regard for future problems. Big business triumphant: business consolidation and lobbying. The consolidation movement that began in the late nineteenth century continued into the 1920s. Business and professional associations began to engage in the new lobbying. : fate of organized labor. Public opinion continued to be generally hostile toward unions. Some large corporations attempted to counter the appeal of union through what is known as welfare capitalism. Harding began his presidency as a reformer: teapot dome. Scandals and corruption plagued the harding administration: coolidge prosperity. Calvin coolidge, aided by andrew mellon, helped private enterprise, a stance that helped him win election in 1924: state and local reform.
