Progressive Problems In America Between 1900-1930's

Progressive Problems Upon the conclusion of war and warfare, is a nation expected to build back up or continue to fall down? When a nation’s cities are hurt and a nation’s people are out on the streets, what should be promoted? Should a nation rebuild work, jobs and the people’s lifestyles or should they be promoting drinking, dancing, movies and entertainment? In the period from 1900-1930, drinking, dancing, movies, and entertainment was seen as a problem rather than progress. The uprising of American entertainment was first viewed as progression due to the new technological advances and higher scale of living. However, one could argue, the content that was being produced within such entertainment was corrupting society. Society was becoming
“Working long hours in factories, farms, and mines, these children were often sullen, stunted, and overworked.” (Nash 616) Depicted in the photograph below, “of all child laborers, perhaps the newsboys caused the most concern.” (Nash 616) These boys “often had to pick up their papers late at night or very early in the morning. They sometimes were homeless and slept wherever they could find a place. But even more troubling, they associated with unsavory characters and fell prey to bad habits.” (Nash 616) Appearing to be stressed and exhausted, the young newsboys are shown to be on a street side taking a smoke break. “Historians write of a “progressive movement.” (Nash 613) However, there were in fact numerous movements, “all focusing on the problems created by a rapidly expanding urban and industrial world.” (Nash 613) “Given their faith in the reforming potential of healthy and educated citizens, it was logical that most social justice progressives opposed the sale of alcohol.” (Nash 623) Most of these people in which participated in these reforms favored prohibition for pragmatic
Hays code was released to counter the content of films. The guidelines impacting the entertainment industry included: crime, sex, vulgarity, obscenity, profanity, costume, dances, locations, national feelings, titles, and repellent subjects. For example, in a guideline listed under crimes against the law, “These shall never be presented in such as way as to throw sympathy with the crime as against the law and justice or to inspire others with a desire for imitation.” (Hays Code) furthermore, another guideline in regard to sex stated: “The sanctity of the institution of marriage and the home should be upheld, pictures shall not infer that low forms of sex relationship are the accepted or common thing.” (Hays