THE PATH OF SOCIAL JUSTICE

"No country, however rich, can afford the waste of its human resources. Demoralization caused by vast unemployment is our greatest extravagance. Morally, it is the greatest menace to our social order." - FDR, 1934

Good Times and Dry Times

By 1920, the First World War was now a memory. The "Doughboys" were back on the farm or taking advantage of the economic boom with factory jobs in the cities. A new generation of Americans was being born at this time, with promise for a bright future.

America settled back into its pre-war isolationism, believing the heads of Europe had learned little from the most horrific war on Earth. The country turned to its own good fortune, and demonstrated it to excess. In spite of (or perhaps because of) "prohibition," America wanted the best of good times. As the '20's roared along, flappers were dancing the Charleston, "speakeasies" were flaunting outlawed alcoholic drinks, and flashy clothes and fast cars were becoming increasingly popular. What this generation didn't know, was that these were temporary conditions.