Setting the Scene

The 1920s are often called the "Roaring Twenties" — but for millions of Americans, they roared with hatred. This was the decade when the Ku Klux Klan grew to 4-6 million members and controlled state governments. When immigration from Southern and Eastern Europe was virtually stopped by law. When two Italian immigrants were executed on flimsy evidence while millions protested their innocence. When thousands were arrested in the "Red Scare" for their political beliefs. Why did the land of "opportunity" become so intolerant? Because rapid change frightened people. America was transforming — cities growing, immigrants arriving, new music, new morals, new ideas. For those who felt threatened by change, the solution was to attack those who represented it.