The 1920s and 1950s in America differed in regard to Civil Rights, economic policy, and trends in social values. 

The 1950s were different than in the 1920s in regard to the treatment of African Americans. In the 1920s major discrimination and oppression against African Americans took place. The violent white supremacist terrorist group known as the KKK amassed millions of members, some of which were elected government officials who aided in white nationalism. The KKK performed abhorrent acts upon the African American population. The Jim Crow laws show that Racism in America is a systemic institution supported by the government. The government allowed segregation and discrimination of African Americans. During the 1920s Harlem Renaissance took place. The Harlem Renaissance was a cultural revolution in the Black community involving writing, art, and music. The 1950s were the start to the civil rights movement. Shelley v. Kramer ruled that restrictive covenants were in violation of the Equal Protection Clause. With the ruling of Brown v. Board public schools were desegregated. Little rock 9 is a collection of young people who were used to try and integrate central highschool in little rock Arkansas, but this was met with aggressive retaliation from the governor of arkansas. President Eisenhower deployed U.S. troops to get the 9 students to integrate safely, leading to the integration of other students at Central high school. The military was integrated. The Montgomery Bus Boycott took place, kicking off the civil rights movement. Civil rights were non-existent in the oppressive conditions of the 1920s, but in the 1950s there was a start to the civil rights movement.

The 1920s and 1950s were different in regard to economic policy in the United States. The economy in the 1920s represents the concept of laissez-faire, letting things take their own course without interference. This concept is portrayed through the free economy of the decade. Installment plans offered more freedom to those who didn't have the money to pay now but would get it. Buying on margin is done by paying for only 10 percent of the total value of a stock and when that stock goes up paying off the rest with the profit, but if the value dropped you still have to pay back the loan. The economy in the 1950s includes much more government involvement. The SEC prevents companies from committing fraud, protecting their investors. The FDIC protects depositors of inshired banks from loss of their deposits if the bank fails. The GI bill helped veterans transition back to civilian life by offering job training, loans for houses, higher education and healthcare. The government took a hands off approach to the economy in the 1920s, but a more hands on approach in the 1950s.

Trends in social values in the 1920s and 1950s were different. In the 1920s women were more independent and individualistic. Flappers dress differently, have different hair, habits, and nightlife. It was more common for women to smoke and wear more makeup. With the 19th amendment, women were also given the right to vote. During the 1950s there was a large rural/urban divide contributing to conformity of women. It was ideal for women to return to their domestic responsibilities, because of suburban pressure to fit into gender roles, such as motherhood, household duties, and dress. This was brought on by the baby boom. Trends in social values in the 1920s involved more freedom and individuality while in the 1950s they promoted conformity and a focus on family.

The 1920s and 1950s in America are 2 very different decades in regard to the treatment of African Americans, economic policy, and trends in social values.