Negative Effects of The Roaring Twenties

The Roaring Twenties, also known as the Jazz Age, was a time of great social and cultural change in America. This period, which occurred between 1920 and 1929, saw a significant shift in the country's economic, political, and social landscape. While the Roaring Twenties is often remembered as a time of prosperity, innovation, and cultural revolution, it also had several negative effects that had lasting implications for American society. This essay will explore some of the negative consequences of the Roaring Twenties, including the rise of organized crime, the breakdown of traditional values, and the economic inequality that characterized the era.

Rise of Organized Crime

One of the most significant negative effects of the Roaring Twenties was the rise of organized crime. Prohibition, which was enacted in 1920, banned the sale and consumption of alcohol in the United States. This led to the rise of a lucrative underground economy, as bootleggers and speakeasies flourished in defiance of the law. Gangsters such as Al Capone became infamous for their involvement in illegal alcohol distribution and other criminal activities. The influence of organized crime extended beyond the illicit alcohol trade, as gangs also engaged in activities such as gambling, prostitution, and extortion. This pervasive criminal activity had a destabilizing effect on American society, leading to increased violence and corruption.

Breakdown of Traditional Values

The breakdown of traditional values was another negative consequence of the Roaring Twenties. The rapid social change that characterized the era, including the embrace of new fashions, music, and attitudes towards sex and gender roles, led to a generational divide. Many older Americans were dismayed by what they perceived as a decline in moral standards and a lack of respect for established social norms. The widespread adoption of the flapper lifestyle, characterized by women who rejected traditional constraints in favor of greater freedom and independence, was particularly controversial. This cultural shift caused friction between generations and contributed to a sense of moral disarray.

Economic Inequality

In addition to the social and cultural changes, the economic inequality that characterized the Roaring Twenties had a significant negative impact on American society. While the decade was a time of unprecedented economic growth and prosperity for many, it also saw a widening gap between the rich and the poor. The benefits of this economic boom were not evenly distributed, as the wealthy elite enjoyed unprecedented wealth and luxury, while many Americans struggled to make ends meet. The stock market crash of 1929, which brought an end to the era of prosperity, exposed the fragility of the economic boom and led to widespread hardship and suffering.

In conclusion, while the Roaring Twenties was a time of great innovation and cultural revolution, it also had several negative effects that had lasting implications for American society. The rise of organized crime, the breakdown of traditional values, and the economic inequality that characterized the era all had a significant impact on the social fabric of the country. By examining these negative consequences, we can gain a more nuanced understanding of the Roaring Twenties and its complex legacy. As we reflect on this period of history, it is important to consider the lessons that can be learned from the negative effects of the era and how they continue to shape our society today.

Bibliography:

1. Okrent, Daniel. Last Call: The Rise and Fall of Prohibition. Scribner, 2010.
2. Bryer, Jackson R., and Richard A. Davis. The Harlem Renaissance: An Annotated Reference Guide for Student Research. Routledge, 2004.
3. Cowie, Jefferson. The Great Exception: The New Deal and the Limits of American Politics. Princeton University Press, 2016.