I am among many Americans who lament witnessing democracy in the United States perilously spiraling into a widening chasm of distrust, demagogy, and violence. However, we’ve been here before, during the “Roaring 20s,” when political violence, threats to free speech and a crisis of disinformation were wreaking havoc on our most basic democratic processes.
It was also a time when we found pathways out of that destructive cycle and emerged as a better nation with lessons that can serve as hopeful examples going forward.
“In some respects, 1920s America was much further down the road of political distrust and internal hatred than where we find ourselves today,” wrote John Fabian Witt in a recent New York Times article.
“At the outset of the 1920s, a wave of attempted assassinations and political violence crested alongside new barriers to immigration, a campaign of deportations and a government crackdown on dissenting speech,” “America was fresh off a pandemic in which divisive public health measures yielded widespread anger and distrust.”
A crisis of trust in the news laid the groundwork for deforming American political life in the aftermath of World War I, just as it does in our current age of media disarray. Propaganda campaigns, some led by respected newspapers, whipped politics into frenzied race riots. One journalist called the crisis of democracy a “crisis of journalism,” where the stream of news that reached the public was “democracy’s most glaring vulnerability.”
Just as the 1920s was a decade marked by dramatic socio-economic and cultural transformations in the United States, examining the successes and failures of this pivotal era can offer valuable insights to guide our nation toward a more prosperous, inclusive, and resilient future.
The 1920s saw remarkable technological advancements and economic expansion just as we are witnessing today that have revolutionized daily life and fueled growth. Notable similarities include advances in solar, wind, and battery technology that are reshaping energy production and consumption, just as electricity did a century ago. Social media and digital platforms have created new forms of community and information sharing, echoing the unifying effect of radio in the 1920s.
The decade witnessed significant social movements, including the fight for women’s suffrage and increased awareness of racial injustices. The ratification of the 19th Amendment in 1920 granted women the right to vote, marking a major step toward equality. However, the era also saw the rise of discriminatory policies and the resurgence of the Ku Klux Klan. To create a better America, our nation must continue to champion civil rights and strive for social inclusion at every level.
While protecting national interests is important, the era teaches us the value of international cooperation and embracing global perspectives, especially in an interconnected world.
As nations emerged from the devastation of World War I, the world grappled with new challenges and opportunities for international partnership.
One of the most significant developments of the 1920s was the creation of the League of Nations among 63 countries founded with the goal of preventing future conflicts through diplomacy and collective security.
The recent Israeli-Hamas ceasefire and peace plan exemplify the power of the involvement of multiple nations (mediated by the U.S., Qatar, Turkey, and Egypt and supported by 12 countries) and demonstrates how collective action can pave the way for peace and stability, establishing a better future for all affected populations.
However, the current practices of ICE raids on immigrants reveal a range of injustices, from due process violations and family separation to racial profiling and lack of accountability. Addressing these issues requires a reevaluation of enforcement strategies and a broader conversation about the values that define American society. We need immigration systems that are fair and responsive to economic needs, supportive of integration, and protective of human rights.
Today, American democracy faces pressing issues: polarization, declining trust in institutions, voter suppression, and the influence of money in politics. By investing in civic education, fostering dialogue, strengthening institutional accountability, protecting voting rights, and responsibly leveraging technology, societies can build more resilient and trustworthy democratic systems.
The legacy of the 1920s offers both inspiration and caution. Its advances in technology and social reform demonstrate the potential for progress, while its failures highlight the dangers of inequality, intolerance, and misinformation.
Learning from this rich tapestry of lessons can create a practical roadmap, empowering us to navigate the present with greater confidence and purpose, leading to meaningful change and a more equitable and sustainable future for all.
Dr. William Kolbe, an Andover resident, is a retired high school and college teacher and former Peace Corps volunteer in Tonga and El Salvador. He can be reached at bila.kolbe9@gmail.com.