1920 – History In Perspective

1920 was a fascinating year that ushered in an amazing decade! 

Although Americans tend to think of “The Roaring 20s” as the era of flappers, bathtub gin, Al Capone, a booming stock market, and a much more liberal sexual atmosphere, the decade was far more complex. The atmosphere of social liberalism was being counterbalanced by the non-stop election of conservative Republicans, a major pushback from organized religion, and signs of a deteriorating economy despite seeming prosperity. 

1920 saw two seemingly opposite trends converge – Americans elected very conservative, old-fashioned politicians at the same time they were beginning to flout conventional norms of behavior. As an example: we outlawed the sale of alcohol and almost  immediately there grew a culture of drinking, new criminal organizations to sell booze and the glorification of those who opposed the very government they had just elected!

We will focus in on the specific year of 1920 – taking a deep dive into the culture, sports, movies, economy and major news stories of a most fascinating, transitional year!