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The Establishment of the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA)
Marcus Garvey established this organization, with his co-founder, Amy Ashwood. The UNIA sought to expand opportunities for African Americans and firstly flourished in Jamaica. However, the UNIA soon spread to cities and across the country. Reform regarding racial uplifting was emphasized by this organization. -
The Immigration Act of 1917 is Passed
Immigration Act of 1917 banned Asians, immigrants, and other ethnic minorities from entering U.S. The 1917 Act implemented a literacy test that required immigrants over 16 years old to demonstrate basic reading comprehension, and increased tax paid by immigrants. This act was spurred by the isolationism within Congress, as the nation attempted to remain neutral and separate from foreign affairs. -
The Flourishing of the Harlem Renaissance
The development of the Harlem Renaissance in dominantly New York City served as a period of African American social and artistic expression. This expression was highlighted through mediums such as literature, music, and art. The Harlem Renaissance resulted from the Great Migration, where rapid northern migration from African Americans contributed to the rise in a newly expressive culture. -
The Rise of the Ku Klux Klan
The KKK, which was an organization of which members, all of whom were white, sought to reestablish traditional values and increase hostility towards African Americans and immigrants, rose to urban areas after previously being in dominantly rural areas. This sudden rise was directly proportional to the rise of traditional fervor. -
Feminist Ideology 'New Women' Arose
In the early 20th century, an era of feminism and the expansion of female control, as well as individuality, presented itself within America. Defining traditional morality, women were presented in more explicit manners in magazines and films. -
Fundamentalism Sparks Within the Bible Belt
Fundamentalism became popular in the South and Midwest (the bible belt), because of the strong religious ties in the area. Due to the fundamentalist beliefs that grew in the bible belt of anti-evolution laws. -
Sacco and Vanzetti Case Sparks Xenophobia
1920 case in which Nicola Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti were convicted of robbery and murder. The trial centered on the defendants’ foreign birth and political views, rather than the facts pertaining to their guilt or innocence. -
The 1924 Immigration Act is Approved
The passing of this act limited the amount of immigrants allowed to enter the United States. The national origins quota limited immigrants to 2% of the total number of citizens within the United States, and completely excluded Asian immigrants. -
The Passing of the Indian Citizenship Act
The passing of this act granted citizenship to Native Americans born within the United States and allowed for Indian suffrage. However, states were slow to fully allow Indians to vote. -
Hoover Wins the 1928 Presidential Election
Hoover won by a landslide after President Coolidge refused to seek reelection. Hoover held 58% of the popular vote, and more than 80% of the electoral college votes. Opponents of Hoover failed to unite around a candidate and Democrats suffered from voter prejudice. Additionally, Hoover led the federal response to the Great Mississippi Flood of 1927, which contributed to his win.