In my initial post talking about my impression of the decade I focused heavily on what pop culture and entertainment had taught me. Images relating to the flapper and the great gatsby came to mind when I pictured life during the 1920s. Another aspect I mentioned about the decade was the booming industry and economy that led to both great invention and workers rights becoming of increased importance. The images I chose to represent the decade focused on topics like women’s liberation, leisure and immigration via port cities such as New York’s Ellis Island.
After researching more specifically about different movements and policies that defined the 1920s, my understanding of the decade has grown greatly. My previous views we’re not necessarily wrong, but in diving deeper into specific events and individuals I can better comprehend what the 1920s contributed to American society.
One thing I have a better understanding of is the lives of women during the decade and the development of the suffrage movement after the 19th amendment was ratified in 1920. My post, the Equal Rights Amendment explores how early feminist groups continued their activism in the hopes to pass a bill guaranteeing equality along sex. Learning more about the formation of the ERA in 1923 allowed me to see how activists experienced both successes and failures throughout the decade. While the 19th amendment was definitely something to celebrate, diving deeper into women’s rights made me better understand the work that continued on into the 20th century.
Another aspect of the 1920s I failed to consider was the massive restrictions placed on immigration from certain countries. It must be noted that the United States was an increasingly isolationist country during the decade, causing the majority of forign policy to remain centralized to Western Europe. The Immigration Act of 1924 was profound in starting what we know today as the Visa process, but during its passage the act was greatly restrictive, especially towards immigrants from Asia, Africa and Eastern Europe. The act itself is a reminder of the discrimination many faced while trying to enter the country, and how for some the jounrey to America was nothing like the pictures shown to the public.
At the end of all my research I would tell someone who wants to know more about the 1920s to look beyond the media, and glossy images that films use to create a certain idea about the decade. The truth is that there were lots of grassroots movements and profound individuals whose impact is still felt today. The 1920s was a decade of changing social, political, cultural and economic landscapes. Not every battle was victorious, but those who participated are still worth being remembered.
It is also important to consider how race, class and gender played into the individual and American experience during the 1920s. For many, the decade offered a rise in economic prosperity, whereas for immigrant families, women and people of color there was still much to fight against.
Citations
The Johnson-Reed Act of May 24, 1924: http://werehistory.org/the-johnson-reed-act-of-may-24-1924/
Why the Fight Over the Equal Rights Amendment Has Lasted Nearly a Century: https://www.history.com/news/equal-rights-amendment-fail-phyllis-schlafly
Senior History and American Studies student at Ramapo College of New Jersey enrolled in Discovering Digital History course taught by Dr. Hajo during Spring 2021.
