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Essay / Old America versus New America - 872
DateThe 1920s through the 1980s were a period of tension between new and changing attitudes on the one hand and traditional values and nostalgia on the other. What is your opinion? The 1920s are a defining period for the United States. Conflict and opposing values were increasingly prevalent in American society. The country was torn between new political practices, opinions on the role of women, religion, social and artistic trends, science and more traditional beliefs. These are ideologies that surfaced in the 1920s. Many tensions between the "new America" and the "old America" were caused by a number of wars and epidemics (Lyndon). Religion and culture are becoming one of the main fronts of conflict. Native Americans and the KKK (Ku Klux Klan) fought against the new cultural practices brought by immigrants. Mainstream Protestants retained their religious beliefs but fought the Catholicism and Judaism brought by new immigrants. This created many incidents and tensions. Some politicians have failed to win their seats due to their religious affiliation. Preachers attempted to appeal to national audiences through media such as radio. This measure was considered sophisticated but was surprisingly used to restore religions. Political differences also created tensions during this period. For example, the Tennessee Revolution Case, also known as the "Monkey Trial," made headlines in 1925. There were conflicting views on whether or not to teach the development in schools. The presence of the KKK intimidates Jews, blacks and Catholics who demand representation in politics. The 100% Americanism movement and the KKK put pressure on the government, demonstrating the tension of the popular uprising in the country. The KKK group represented a middle of paper eager... and became more powerful after adopting new technologies, as it made better weapons than in previous years. Obviously, over the years there has been a change in attitudes towards technology, political views, religious views and cultural practices (Huey). There have been tensions over the years, but the “new America” brings a lot of nostalgia for the “old America.” Works Cited Franklin, D. Roosevelt and Winston, Churchill. The Atlantic Charter, 1941. Harry, Truman. Truman Doctrine, 1947. Speech. Huey, Long. Share our wealth, 1935. Radio address. John, F. Kennedy. Inaugural Address, 1961. Joseph McCarthy, Wheeling Address. Wheeling, West Virginia, 1950. Speech. Lyndon, B. Johnson, Great Society. University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. 1964. Speech. Martin, L. King, I Have a Dream. Washington, 1963. Speech. National Organization for Women (NOW). Statement of Intent. 1966.