AP US History in 1 Minute Daily: Religious Fundamentalism (Day 235/309)

Hey APUSHers, let’s chat about Religious Fundamentalism as part of my series- APUSH in 1 Minute Daily!

“Descent of the Modernists,” Wikimedia Commons

In the 1920s, a movement arose that emphasized a strict adherence and conformity to biblical principles and traditional Christian beliefs as a response to societal changes of the Roaring 20s.

“A Chime of Ohio Church Bells,” The Ohio State University

Many Christians, particularly evangelical and fundamentalist groups, were staunch supporters of Prohibition. They believed that the consumption of alcohol led to moral decay, family breakdowns, and societal problems. 

Virginia Association Opposed to Woman Suffrage, Wikimedia Commons

Some religious groups adhered to more traditional, conservative interpretations of gender roles, emphasizing the sanctity of the domestic sphere and the role of women as homemakers. They opposed flapper culture, which challenged traditional norms of modesty and propriety.

The Anti-Evolution League, Wikimedia Commons

Clearly showcasing the clash between modern science and religious fundamentalism was the Scopes Monkey Trial in which  Tennessee high school teacher John Scopes was charged with violating state law for teaching evolution instead of creationism.

The controversies of the 1920s fueled a resurgence of religious fundamentalism which focused on maintaining tradition and infusing morality into society.

Join me tomorrow as I explain the causes of the Great Depression in the next APUSH in 1 Minute Daily!