Claire LiuHon History 9, for 8Ms. Fowler12 December 2013 Positive and Negative Changes of the 1920s The 1920s in America saw numerous changes in the United States. Post-war trends, fear of communism, and the rise of many groups such as the Ku Klux Klan influenced American citizens. Feelings of nativism spread when quota laws were passed and the Labor movement lost appeal. Two presidents: Calvin Coolidge and Warren G. Harding influenced government in different ways. Technological progress in automobiles and electricity triggered urban expansion and the installment plan. Science and religion collided with the Scopes trial and Prohibition. The role of American women changed, and the Harlem Renaissance provided African Americans with a way to express themselves. Overall, the 1920s had a more positive effect on society. In the 1920s, American industries flourished under President Calvin Coolidge. Both Coolidge and Herbert Hoover favored government policies that kept taxes low and corporate profits high. They fit perfectly with the pro-business essence of the 1920s. High tariffs helped American manufacturers, government management of business was decreasing, and wages were rising. The automobile was the mainstay of the American economy from 1920 to 1970. It greatly transformed the American countryside and civilization. Some of the various changes included: paved roads, traffic lights, motels, billboards, home designs, gas stations, repair shops, shopping malls, freedom for rural families, independence for women and youth, and growing cities. By 1920, 80% of the world's vehicles were driven in the United States. This led to urban expansion, when cities spread in all directions. The American airline industry began carrying mail and eventually... half of paper... attacked by mafiosi (criminals, gangsters) in their search for territory to distribute alcohol. With the installment plan everything could be purchased on credit. It allowed people to purchase goods for a longer period, without having to pay a lot of money at the time of purchase. Yet there was a core weakness, superficial economic prosperity and people mired in debt. The 1920s also had negative impacts with the division of the country, the rise of anti-immigration socialist parties, labor unrest, corruption in government, and organized crime. The decade known as the "Roaring '20s" had more positive than negative effects on society. . The birth of modern America began with electricity, automobiles, and the radio. Modern women have emerged with more jobs available and more time to manage family and finances. The 1920s were a big step toward what the United States has become today.