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Coolidge Takes Office
Ascending to the presidency at the death of Harding, perhaps the least talkative of Presidents, he is credited with saying, “The business of America is business.” His conservative policies encouraged investment and growth in industry, but careless speculation in the stock market would lead to economic collapse, and traditional values would be challenged. -
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Calvin Coolidge Administration
Ascending to the presidency at the death of Harding, perhaps the least talkative of Presidents, he is credited with saying, “The business of America is business.” His conservative policies encouraged investment and growth in industry, but careless speculation in the stock market would lead to economic collapse, and traditional values would be challenged. -
Coolidge gives the first presidential radio address (VUS.10a)
The arrival of radio as a mass media, the way Americans received information would now change forever. Coolidge expressed support for prohibition, and opposition to government interference with business (laissez faire), and lowering taxes. MORE -
“Keep Cool with Coolidge”
Coolidge easily wins re-election. -
The Monkey Trial Begins (VUS.10a)
Charged with the crime of teaching evolution, the trial of John Scopes in Dayton, Tennessee would end up challenging the cultural traditions by pitting science vs. religion. Superstar lawyers came in, William Jennings Bryan for the prosecution and Clarence Darrow for the defense. MORE -
Klan holds massive demonstration (VUS.10a)
The resurgence of the Ku Klux Klan, which was re-chartered in 1915, reached its peak. The “Second KKK” symbolized prejudice against immigrant groups of various descents, no longer just hate crimes against blacks. This growth in xenophobia was expressed through several immigration restriction laws which challenged a traditional belief in open immigration. MORE -
Air Commerce Act is passed (VUS.8b)
This act gave the Commerce Department regulatory powers over certain sectors of the aviation industry, including air mail, licensing of pilots and aircraft safety. -
Federal Radio Commission (VUS.10a)
Responding to the growth in the Age of Radio, the FRC was created to regulate national and international communication. Broadcasts of music, drama, comedy and news helped bring a common culture through fads and exposure to ideas. MORE on radio -
Lindbergh’s Solo Flight Across the Atlantic (VUS.10a)
Charles Lindbergh flew his plan, “The Spirit of St. Louis” from New York to Paris, in a non-stop solo flight. This feat made him the greatest celebrity of the 1920’s! Read about other fads and heroes of the 20’s. -
Sacco and Vanzetti are Executed (VUS.10a)
The epitome of the panic of the “Red Scare”, two anarchists are convicted of murder and put to death based on flimsy evidence. An outraged public begins to see the conviction as politically and racially motivated. MORE -
“The Jazz Singer” (VUS.10a)
Starring Al Jolson, this is the first “Talkie” – a movie made with sound. This heightens America’s infatuation with the picture show, which provided an escape from many of the struggles of daily life. MORE on the movies and other fads -
The Kellogg-Briand Pact (VUS.9b)
This pact signed between the US and France outlawed warfare as a means of settling disputes – requiring diplomacy. The pact was ultimately signed by 62 nations. MORE
