In the landscape of American history, few years rival the turbulence and resilience of 1920. A decade after America's entrance into World War I, the echoes of national upheaval and global conflict reverberated across America's cities and towns. During this time, protest signs emerged as powerful tools of dissent and voice for the disenfranchised, spawning a unique visual culture that reflected the spirit of the era.
1920 was a year of numerous protest movements, each with its unique cause and passion. From labor unrest to suffrage, these movements shaped the course of American history and revealed the tremendous social changes that were afoot. Protesters used signs as a means to express their demands, voice their grievances, and garner public support, making it an essential artifact of the era's civil disobedience.
Labor Unrest and the Red Scare
The labor movement in 1920 saw a surge in activism, driven by demands for better working conditions and pay. Signs during these protests often displayed vivid, occupational-themed imagery, such as hammers, wheat sheaves, and mine carts, representing workers' unity and power. The most iconic among these was the 'Scissor Man', symbolizing the threat of unemployment and representing the fight against exploitative business practices.
The 'Scissor Man' became a rallying symbol during the 1920s, representing the threat of unemployment and exploitation. It was frequently seen in labor parades, accompanied by slogans such as 'We Demand Our Rights' or 'Union Making Us Free'.
Mass Production and Worker Exploitation
With the rise of assembly lines and mass production, workers were subject to grueling, repetitive tasks with few protections. Signs often depicted long hours, low pay, and dangerous working conditions, with slogans like, 'Eight Hours Work, Eight Hours Play, Eight Hours Sleep' or 'We Want Bread, Not Whips'.
Protesters also used chalk to create ephemeral art on factory walls, streets, and sidewalks,ostenibly expanding the visual narrative of labor struggles beyond typical protest signs.
Red Scare and Anarchist Signage
The post-war era saw the rise of anti-communist hysteria, known as the Red Scare. Anarchist and communist groups, which included many labor activists, faced harsh repression. Protest signs during this period often used red colors and communist symbols, such as hammers and sickles, to signify solidarity and defiance.
Signs might feature anti-capitalist slogans like 'Abolish the Wage System', or commemorate events like the 'Kelly Hunger March', where workers walked 24 miles to protest low wages and high inflation.
The Women's Suffrage Movement
After nearly a century of campaigning, 1920 finally saw the passage of the 19th Amendment, granting women the right to vote. However, the struggle was far from over, and many suffragists turned their attention to other causes, using signs to continue their advocacy.
Suffrage signs of the era often featured bold, iconic visuals like the 'Liberty Bell', 'Votes for Women' banners, or graphic representations of women breaking through chains. These symbols were accompanied by slogans like, 'All the Rights We Want for Ourselves and Others' or 'When Women Wage War, They Also Make Peace'.
League of Women Voters and Post-Suffrage Signage
After the 19th Amendment's passage, many former suffragists joined the League of Women Voters (LWV), advocating for greater political participation and civic education. Signs from this period reflected a shift towards voter engagement and civic duty, with slogans like, 'Clean Up Politics', 'Educate for Citizenship', or 'Use Your Power'.
The LWV also created signs for specific campaigns, such as their ' Vote Yes' campaign for the 19th Amendment, or later, advocating for child labor laws, women's minimum wage, and birth control education.
Multicultural Feminism and Intersectionality
While white women activists dominated the suffrage movement, there were also prominent black, Native American, and immigrant suffragists. Post-1920 signs reflect a growing awareness of intersectionality, showing women of diverse backgrounds united under the banner of voting rights.
Notable figures like Mary Church Terrell and Susan B. Anthony's immutable dedication to suffrage advocating inspired African American women and other marginalized communities to fight for their voting rights, even after the 19th Amendment's passage.
History has shown that protest signs are not merely artifacts of the past but powerful tools for social change. They serve as visual reminders of ongoing struggles and sources of inspiration for future generations. As we reflect on the protest signs of 1920, let us continue shaping our collective future and ensuring that everyone's voice is heard and counted.