The over-arching theme of chapter 31 is that America clipped along through the 20s at a fast pace and ran through many cultural changes.
- A “red scare” struck America in the 20s. Fear of communism resonated through society and was fueled by mail bombings and illustrated by the Sacco and Vanzetti executions.
- Anti-immigration ran high as well. Laws were passed to limit immigration, and specifically, to limit “New Immigrants” from Italy and Poland.
- The “Scopes Monkey Trial” illustrated the new controversy of evolution vs. creation.
- Businesses had a good run in the 20s and consumers bought products wildly, often on credit or with an installment plan.
- Three Republican presidents were pro-business. The economy and consumers got to running too fast, and coupled with over-buying in the stock market, initiated the Stock Crash and Great Depression.