LET THE FUN BEGIN

    The period from the end of World War I to the Great Depression was complex. It contained contradictory themes. History is full of contradictions which make it hard to categorize or define an era. Three main themes overlap each other in this period. First it was an age of intolerance- an era in which some elements of society sought to "purify" America. They sought to go back to an earlier era -a protestant, western European, rural America. Secondly in the area of politics as Calvin Coolidge said, "The business of the United States is business." The government helped business to prosper and there were a number of scandals involving members of the Harding cabinet. This raises the question as to whether or not in America, conservatism means purify society while the government is involved in greed and immorality. A loaded question? An oversimplification? Thirdly this is the era of the Roaring Twenties. Why were they called the Roaring Twenties? Why was there an attack on the moral code of the past? Does the moral climate put the 1890's and 1960's and the present into perspective? How can we relate the actions of the youth and the fears of the parents to today?

    We went from fun to the Great Depression? Was there a real basis for the growth after World War I or was it only superficial growth? Why the Great Depression? Why not a Great Depression today? What happened to big industries and companies during the Depression? Did the forces of the left or right have the most influence during this era? Why?

    Franklin Roosevelt was the New Deal. He was a charismatic figure before the term was popular. He wasn't a great or original thinker. Most of his ideas came from others, but he had a way of inspiring love or hate. There was no middle ground. What were his actions in the first hundred days aimed at? What were the results? In 1935 he began a program of long term reform. In part it was a response to Father Coughlin, Francis Townsend and Huey Long's growing power. His actions raise once again the issue of what should be the role of the Constitution and government in our lives.

    What was the role of Eleanor Roosevelt under Franklin Roosevelt? Did Roosevelt's actions end the Depression? What were the failures and achievements of the New Deal? How did it influence LBJ and how does it influence the role of our government in society today?

     Copyright © 2005 Gary Brady