TRADITIONALISTS VS MODERNISTS Unit 2 the 1920 s

TRADITIONALISTS VS. MODERNISTS Unit 2 – the 1920 s Essential Question: How did social, economic and religious tensions divide Americans during the 1920 s?

Who are the traditionalists and modernists? • Traditionalist = a person who has deep respect for long- held cultural and religious values • They believe these values are the “anchor” that provides order and stability in society • Modernist = a person who embraces new ideas, styles and social trends. • They believe traditional values restrict individual freedom and happiness • MAIN IDEA: In the 1920’s there was a “culture war” between those who believe in traditional values vs. modern beliefs.

The traditionalist thinks… • new ideas and behavior should be viewed with suspicion. • they are defending all that is good in America. • City culture is “moneygrubbing, ” “materialistic, ” and “immoral. ” TITLE: Urban & Rural America MAIN IDEAS • Many people started to move from small towns to cities • By 1920, more than 50% of the public lived in urban areas • Cities became the center of economic growth The Modernist thinks… • cities provide the most economic opportunity. • cities provide more freedom to think and live. • rural America is behind the times.

TITLE: The Youth & Adult Perspective The traditionalist thinks… • laws should be passed to limit what women could wear. MAIN IDEAS • the purpose of • Courtship (dating) courtship is to lead to changed dramatically marriage. • that young people are reckless and immoral. • Increase in public education & college • the censorship of ideas enrollment is okay • Emergence of the flapper The Modernist thinks… • flapper culture should be embraced. • the new fads were the “cats pajamas. ” • the purpose of dating was to just have fun. • their parents are just nagging them and behind the times.

TITLE: The traditionalist thinks… Debate over Wet & Dry • alcohol causes crime, violence and the MAIN IDEAS breakup of families. • Enforcing prohibition • the stopping of drinking (the 18 th Amendment) will lead to a healthier, was very difficult happier America. • stopping alcohol will • Support for prohibition lead to less influence was mainly in the rural from foreigners areas (Germans and Italians) • At first, prohibition seemed to be a success • Opposition to prohibition grew during the 1920 s • Volstead Act – enforced the 18 th Amendment • Repealed by the 21 st The Modernist thinks… • prohibition violates individual liberty. • Gov’t is trying to overly regulate people. • traditionalists are ignorant. • the religious argument made by traditionalists is flawed.

TITLE: Creationism & Evolution The traditionalist thinks… • creationism should be taught in schools, not MAIN IDEAS evolution. • evolution will lead to the • Theory of Evolution = Darwin’s theory that acceptance of social plants, animals and Darwinism. humans evolved from • laws, like the Butler simpler forms of life. Law in Tennessee, should be supported. • By the 1920 s, evolution was regularly taught in many schools. • Creationism = the belief that God created the universe as described in the Bible. • The debate was highlighted during the Scopes Monkey Trial. The Modernist thinks… • evolution and natural selection should be embraced. • religion and science can co-exist. • people should look at science – instead of religion – to explain the modern world.

Practice Quiz Traditionalism Modernism 4) Support only religious teaching 7) Young people are reckless 1) Associated with rural America. and fads should be 8) Flappers aboutand creation. immoral. embraced. 5) Believe alcohol is the root of 6) Associated with cities. 3) Believe restrictions limit liberty. 2) Associated with younger people. many societal problems.