Conservative Revolution

Definition

The Conservative Revolution refers to a political and social movement that emerged in the United States during the 1920s, characterized by a backlash against progressive reforms and a desire to return to traditional values. This movement encompassed a range of sentiments, including resistance to immigration, a push for moral standards, and a reaffirmation of American nationalism. The Conservative Revolution sought to redefine the American identity in the wake of rapid social change brought about by modernization and urbanization.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Conservative Revolution gained momentum after World War I as many Americans sought stability and familiarity in a rapidly changing society.
2. This movement was marked by the rise of organizations such as the Ku Klux Klan, which promoted white supremacy and opposed immigration.
3. The 1920s saw a resurgence of fundamentalist Christianity, which fought against modernist interpretations of religion and emphasized traditional moral values.
4. Prohibition, enacted through the 18th Amendment, was both a product and a catalyst of the Conservative Revolution, reflecting the push for moral reform.
5. The era's cultural tensions were highlighted by events such as the Scopes Trial, which pitted modern science against traditional religious beliefs.

Review Questions

• How did the Conservative Revolution influence American attitudes towards immigration during the 1920s?
  • The Conservative Revolution significantly shifted American attitudes towards immigration by fostering nativist sentiments. Many Americans, feeling threatened by the influx of immigrants, believed they were undermining traditional American values and jobs. This led to the implementation of restrictive immigration laws, such as the Emergency Quota Act of 1921, which set quotas limiting immigration from certain countries, reflecting a broader desire to preserve an idealized American identity.
• In what ways did Prohibition serve as both a result of and a catalyst for the Conservative Revolution?
  • Prohibition emerged as both a consequence of the Conservative Revolution and a catalyst for further conservative activism. Rooted in temperance movements that sought to curb alcohol consumption as immoral, Prohibition reflected broader societal desires for moral rectitude. However, its enforcement led to unintended consequences such as organized crime and widespread flouting of the law, which further fueled conservative critiques about moral decay and prompted calls for stricter societal controls.
• Analyze the impact of the Conservative Revolution on cultural debates in the 1920s, particularly regarding science and religion.
  • The Conservative Revolution profoundly impacted cultural debates in the 1920s, especially concerning the conflict between modern science and traditional religious beliefs. The Scopes Trial epitomized this struggle, highlighting tensions between evolution theory and fundamentalist Christianity. As conservatives rallied to defend traditional values against perceived threats from scientific progressivism, this clash influenced educational policies and broader societal norms, ultimately shaping American identity and values in this transformative period.

Related terms

Progressivism: A political movement in the early 20th century that aimed at addressing social issues and promoting reforms such as labor rights, women's suffrage, and government regulation.

Isolationism:

A foreign policy stance taken by the United States during the interwar years, focusing on avoiding involvement in international conflicts and emphasizing national sovereignty.

Nativism:

A political policy that favors the interests of established inhabitants over those of immigrants, often manifesting in restrictive immigration laws and anti-immigrant sentiments.