AboutTom Expertise While it is a huge topic, I am well-versed in World War II generally. There is a huge wealth of information available on the internet, HOWEVER, one has to know the trash from the gems. Many sites which are not obviously credible (govt, university, and museum sites, for ex.), provide erroneous information (intentionally or otherwise).
Experience BA in history, and been reading and studying WW2 as my 'hobby' for 30 years. Regular contributor to several online forums in military history, WW2, and related areas and topics.
Organizations None relevant to this topic.
Education/Credentials BA, History (Secondary Education), with minor in Geography
US Army Engineer Officer (Officer Basic and Advanced Courses)
Expert: Tom Date: 10/17/2007 Subject: ww1 (post-WW1)
Question why was there so much discord in America after World War 1?
Answer My first reaction is that the statement is questionable. America has always been busy, evolving, changing. Our society isn't always neat, our political processes, while stable by historical standards, are not always calm. So to say there was much discord in America after WW1 is a questionable statement as it seems to imply this period was especially troubled. I would leave that implication to periods such as the labor movement periods, Civil War, and Vietnam war periods.
But the period after WW1 saw a number of events you probably seek, that added to discord. Look at key events in the time period:
* Several race riots (e.g., mass assualts on blacks by whites) took place in these years (1919-1922 in particular)
* While economy was doing well, overall, there was a lot of strife as we shifted back from a war economy to peacetime, with large numbers of men returning from military service and trying to find jobs.
* Women were finally given the vote nationally via constitutional amendment.
* The US national govt was growing in size and influence, and that included unfortunate incidents like the Teapot Dome scandal of corruption.
* Labor movements were still a factor in American life, as strikes were a common occurrence.
* Civil strife was a factor, too, with anarchists still striking out (read about the Sacco and Venzetti (spelling?) trial of the period), and with immigration from Europe remaining high.
* League of nations was a very contentious issue in America. Our tradition was broken by entering WW1, and resistance to joining the League was very strident - and ultimately successful. President Wilson labored exhaustively to convince Americans that we needed to be part of that precursor to the UN.
Read around for more examples of the strife in American life, and for details. I have found about.com to be a decent and reliable source of info.
