Examples Of Philosophies In The 1920s

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As with all cultures, the philosophies, politics, and ideas that provoke the hearts of individuals find their way to the pens of authors, brushes of painters, and notes of musicians. The 1920s were no different. But, what influenced the themes, philosophies, and politics of this time and how were they expressed? America in the 1920s was a time of economic growth and cultural upheaval. World War l had just ended and millions of young lives had been lost or painfully impacted. According to Larry Schweikart, "The numbers of dead were mind-numbing: 1.8 million Germans, 1.7 million Russians, 1.4 million French, 1.3 million Austrians, and 947,000 British Commonwealth troops American losses…stood at 48,909, although a total of 112,432 soldiers and sailors had die,"(Schweikart 520-521). Those who had survived were deeply impacted by horrors related to new technology (527). Skepticism and hedonistic philosophies invaded American culture while the Progressivism philosophy worked on steering political decisions that ultimately failed their purposes. The main Progressivism policies that attempted, but failed, to reform society were Prohibition, civic equality, and public hygiene education (516). The Women's Rights organizations led to the ratification of the 19th Amendment, however, it came at a cost. Alongside this reform came the abandonment of …show more content…

His books, reflecting the inner thoughts and struggles of those in this generation, led him to becoming one of the most well known American authors to this day. However, he was also a brave soldier who drove ambulances during the Great War. During a mission in June 1918, an Austrian mortar fire wounded him. Though he was wounded, he rescued an Italian soldier, while doing so, he was injured again by machine gun fire. His bravery led him to being one of the first Americans honored by the Italian government with the Silver Medal of Valor (Putnam,