The New Era: Modernism vs. Traditionalism

The 1920s, also known as the New Era, was a time of transition from traditional to modern. While some embraced the change, others resisted, and some even fought to hold on to traditional values. The economy, culture, religion, and nativism all experienced the incorporation of modernistic ideas. The biggest conflict in the 1920s was modernism versus traditionalism.

The economy of the 1920 was full of great improvements with little objection. The working conditions improved, women were finally allowed to have jobs outside the house, and people began to have access to more luxuries and "wants" rather than only essentials or "needs", because of the new technologies and inventions. Although women were not yet considered equal to men, they were allowed to work in "feminine fields". Most married women continued to work at home, but women who chose to work, were part of the working class. The New Era introduced radios, home appliances, automobiles, cars, as well as several other luxury items.

One of the most distinctive developments of this era was introduced as the Youth Culture. Teenagers gained their own title because it is a vital time in one's life. The importance of education increased tremendously. The "Lost Generation" was composed of artists and intellectuals who disliked America's obsession with material success. Literature and art became prominent having some of the most renowned authors of all time, such as F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemingway, along with others.

Religion began to play into other views such as modernism and traditionalism. Traditionalists became known as Religious Fundamentalists. They disliked the change and abandonment of traditions the modernists promoted. Women began to be examples of this as well by the introduction a new standard. Flappers, shorter dresses, drinking, smoking, and partying all became part of women's culture. Some chose to embrace the change while others stuck to their traditional roles.

Some took the preservation of culture and traditions to extremes, one group in particular, the Ku Klux Klan. Their goal was to keep America pure and traditional by eliminating what they felt were alien influences: Catholics, blacks, Jews, and foreigners. Their focus after the Klan's revival shifted from blacks to Catholics, Jews, foreigners, as well as anyone who challenged traditional values, white Protestants guilty of irreligion, sexual promiscuity, or drunkenness. The Klan eventually declined shortly after 1925. On the other end of the spectrum, African Americans introduced jazz music and created the Harlem Renaissance with the goal to preserve and share their racial heritage.

The 1920s was full of significant aspects, change, and conflicting ideas. Despite the traditionalists persistently resisted change, this era is known for its racy and modernistic ideas.