The 20th century began with the Wright Brothers flying, the Titanic sinking, and the first World War exploding. Nebraska had its own challenges to face as its people addressed how they would live together, steward resources, share political power, and care for the disadvantaged. Questions raised at the end of the 19th century demanded action and answers in the new century, as ambitious reforms were tested by everyday realities.
Until the 1871 Dawes Act, Native tribes were sovereign nations and given “reserved” lands. Dawes ended the failed reservation system, granting citizenship for homesteading land that was previously tribal property. The act failed in its assimilation goals and brought financial hardship. Indian schools such as Carlisle also attempted assimilation. Native American veterans of World War I could apply to be citizens. Finally, in 1924, all Native Americans born in the U.S. were granted citizenship.
Reform movements of the late 19th century gave rise to the 20th century Progressive Movement. Working within the two major political parties, Progressives sought to bring about improvements to social conditions, including voting rights for women, prohibition of alcohol, fair treatment of African Americans, legal rights for Native Americans, banning of child labor, compensation for injured workers, election reform, initiative and referendum power for voters, and an end to business monopolies.
Packing house jobs attracted African American migrants to the state. Meanwhile, grangers (farmers) and ranchers battled for use of public lands in the west. The Kinkaid Act increased homestead size, moving public lands to private ownership. The federal government intervened over fencing issues and shady land acquisition practices. Ranchers adopted scientific range management to enhance productivity. The meatpacking industry underwent reforms including independent inspection of meat.
In one decade, Omaha’s African American population doubled--part of a northward migration for jobs. Workers were needed, especially during World War I. Racial tension increased as old hostilities and new upset were worsened by corrupt political forces and false newspaper reporting. Will Brown, an African American man falsely accused of assault, was lynched by rioters in Omaha in 1919. These terrible events led to arrests and accusations as to who caused and who carried out the violence.
In Nebraska, suffrage amendments were defeated in 1872, 1881, and 1914. Opposition forces included many women. Foes cited religious grounds, threats to family and social structure, constitutional questions, and/or the supposed emotional volatility of the female. Limited suffrage finally passed in 1917 so women could vote for municipal offices and the U.S. president. Legal challenges followed. Finally, the Nebraska legislature ratified the federal suffrage amendment in 1919.
Social reformers clashed with cultural traditions and business interests over prohibition. Efforts began in the 1800’s and gained momentum in the new century. William Jennings Bryan took up the “dry” cause publicly in 1910. The “wets” fought against sales restrictions meant to discourage alcohol use. Prohibition was divisive, but the state passed an alcohol ban in 1916, three years before national prohibition passed. Prohibition remained the law of Nebraska until its repeal in 1934.
Father Edward J. Flanagan was serving in Omaha when he decided to focus his energy on intervening for orphaned boys and young men who might turn to crime. He established his first boys’ home in 1917. The home filled quickly and the home soon moved to a larger building with room to carry out education. The operation moved to a farm near Omaha in 1921 with room for sports and gardens. Boys Town gained national fame and helped many children.
