Mencken considered most Americans to be stupid and violent fools. Mencken, from the eastern city of Baltimore. Social criticism also was central to the writing of the newspaper writer H. In his famous book 'Main Street,' Lewis joked about and criticized small-town business owners. Many of the people in his books were foolish men and women with empty values. Lewis wrote about Americans living in the towns and villages in the central part of the United States. He was the first American to win the Nobel Prize for Literature. Many of the greatest writers of this period hated the new business culture.

HARRY MONROE: The spirit of protest was especially strong in serious American writing during the nineteen twenties. They felt a need to protest the way the world was changing around them. These artists had little faith in the political leaders who came to power after the war. Many of them believed that the first World War in Europe had been a terrible mistake. And they also questioned the value of politics. These artists rejected the new business society. They believed that Americans had become too interested in money and wealth. They were troubled deeply by the changes they saw. However, many of the nation's serious artists had a different and darker view of society. And they had great faith in the country's business leaders and economic system. They supported the conservative Republican policies of President Calvin Coolidge. KAY GALLANT: Most Americans approved strongly of the economic growth and improved living conditions during the nineteen twenties. This week in our series, Kay Gallant and Harry Monroe take a look at American arts during this exciting period.

Writers, painters and other artists produced some of the greatest work in the nation's history. The nineteen twenties also was one of the most active and important periods for the more serious arts. Radio and films brought them exciting news of court trials, sports heroes and wild parties. People of all kinds became interested in the new popular culture. They experimented with new ideas and ways of living. Many young people began to challenge the traditions of their parents and grandparents. There were many changes in the social customs and day-to-day life of millions of Americans during the administration of President Calvin Coolidge. Or download MP3 (Right-click or option-click and save link)īOB DOUGHTY: Welcome to THE MAKING OF A NATION – American history in VOA Special English.

Famous books in the 1920s