In the 1920s, known as the Roaring Twenties, America saw a liberalization in manners and morals. This can be seen in the flapper culture, the explosion of jazz music, and the proliferation of speakeasies during Prohibition. Yet, it was also a more conservative time that brought about societal clashes evident in events like the Scopes trial, which underscored the struggle between modernism and traditional values. The Harlem Renaissance was a significant cultural movement representing the voices and experiences of African Americans, previously underrepresented in American history narratives and textbooks.

Overall, the 1920s was a time of both cultural liberation and social tension. The country was experiencing economic prosperity, technological advancements, and an explosion of creativity in the arts. However, it was also a time of deep divisions and conflict, with issues such as racial inequality, prohibition, and fundamentalism posing significant challenges to American society.

The Roaring Twenties may have been a time of great change and progress, but it was also a time of upheaval and turmoil. It was a period where the old clashed with the new, and where the struggle for equality and justice was at the forefront of national consciousness. Ultimately, the 1920s served as a defining decade in American history, shaping the future of the country in numerous ways.