Contradictions of the 1920

Contradictions of the 1920s: Optimism vs. Conservatism and Youth vs. Intolerance Student’s Name Institution of Affiliation Course Instructor Date Contradictions of the 1920s: Optimism vs. Conservatism and Youth vs. Intolerance The 1920s was a decade that became popularly referred to as the Roaring Twenties because of the many transformations that characterized American society. This period saw the growth of consumerism, and the usage of jazz, optimism, and innovation. However, this apparent optimism was accompanied by considerable social ironies. On the other hand, there was a solid conservative tide characteristic for the period: The prohibition and the revival of the Ku Klux Klan. Besides, the social vigor of the youth cultural moment was met with opposition from traditionalist society, as exemplified in the Scopes "Monkey" Trial and emergent racial animosity. Such opposites as optimism, conservatism, youth, and intolerance played an essential role in further forming American society's dynamics for its short-term and long-term future. Such tensions make it easier to appreciate the issues of 1920s America and its impacts on the future. Optimism vs. Conservatism The 1920s was known as the "Roaring Twenties" – it was the time when America experienced dramatic changes in its society that can be considered as both progressive and regressive. The period after World War I was characterized by economic vigor, which brought lively feelings to people. This period was characterized by growing consumerism, the development of new technologies, and the bright development of the performing arts and jazz in particular (Cohen, 2021). Organized by stock markets, growth in industry and the idea that the American Dream is easily achievable made a positive image of an advanced modern nation on the frontier of progression. However, the conservative spirit remained present and operative during this period of optimism. Perhaps the best example of this dynamic is the period known as prohibition, which defined the years from 1920-1933. The 13th Amendment, which banned the production, sale, and distribution of alcohol, was also inspired by the need to restore and preserve morality and fight social evils, including crimes and corruption. People who supported the concept of prohibition claimed that all alcohol should be outlawed to encourage morality. People would instead consume what they wanted in secret at 'speakeasies,' while criminals created bootlegging networks because the consumption of alcohol did not go away. It recognized the mishap of conservative authorities in handling complicated societal issues with the intentionality of moralistic legislation and contributed to a broader understanding of the shortcomings of moralistic politics. Furthermore, in the 1920s, the conservative movement emerged, which was in an attempt to challenge the progressive changes of the decade. The renewal of the Ku Klux Klan was among the most significant evidence of this conservative reaction. The Klan's actions were associa...