Question

In the wake of World War I, the United States was at a crossroads. The war had derailed the momentum of progressivism, and wartime provisions such as the Sedition Act of 1918 left American radicals on shaky ground. Would the Progressive Era resume? Perhaps sensing that Americans were weary of conflict, Republican presidential candidate Warren G. Harding campaigned in 1920 on the promise of stability. Harding advocated a return to "normalcy" and promised to heal the nation after World War I through the restriction of government spending, tax cuts, and booming commerce. The ensuing economic boom, union busting, and isolationist foreign policy could be interpreted as a return to the "normalcy" that Harding promised.
On the other hand, the 1920s were the "Jazz Age," an era defined by cultural change and conflict. The cultural icons of that era — such as flappers, jazz, the Harlem Renaissance, and consumerism — reflect radical shifts in American thought. It was a time marked by a changing sense of possibilities for both African Americans and women, and a focus on modernity.

In this activity, you will participate in a discussion about social and political mores in the 1920s and make an argument for which title — "A Push for Modernity" or "A Return to Normalcy" — best fits the era.

Discussion Prompt:

Which title — "A Push for Modernity" or "A Return to Normalcy" — is the most appropriate descriptor for the 1920s?

Answer 1

The aim of this question is to have you weigh the evidence and decide which title best fits the 1920s and be ready to defend your choice.

This sort of question is not one which has just one correct response.  The detailed instructions for the discussion question already give you the outlines of the arguments for both sides of the question.  The value of the discussion activity is to get you to think about the factors on both sides of the discussion and to talk through those ideas as a class.

One possible answer to the question would be to say that both titles fit the 1920s equally well, but they look at the era from differing perspectives.  From the standpoint of mainstream politics (headed by Presidents Harding and Coolidge), the 1920s represented a return to isolationist and conservative policies, with government focused on making the country a good place for business and industry.  From the standpoint of social life and trends, there was much liberalism and freedom being expressed, which went against the conservative mainstream mood of those who held political power at the time.