The Better America Federation was a pro-business organization in California, U.S. in the 1920s.
Contents
History
The organization co-founded in May 7, 1920 in Los Angeles, California by railway developer Eli P. Clark and other businessman, mostly from the utilities sector. It was formed ‘‘for the political welfare of the nation," purpose, the suppression of radicalism, class legislation and all else ‘‘inimical to the welfare of the nation." Headquarters in Los Angeles.
It took over from the defunct Commercial Federation of California. Its founding president, Harry E. Haldiman, was the president of the Pacific Pipes and Supplies Company. The vice president for Los Angeles County was Reese J. Llewellyn, the president of Llewellyn Iron Works. Donors included private individuals and corporations like Southern California Edison.
The organization published pamphlets. It also lobbied members of the California State Assembly. It promoted American patriotism, and it warned the public against communism. Furthermore, it argued the United States Constitution should not be amended.
In the workplace, the organization was opposed to labor unions and regulations. Moreover, it promoted a six-day workweek and it rejected the minimum wage.
In schools, it warned against "bolshevik" authors like Edward Alsworth Ross, Arthur M. Schlesinger, Sr. and David Saville Muzzey used in textbooks. They also objected to Garfield Bromley Oxnam joining a school board. Moreover, it was opposed to "compulsory education beyond the age of 14". One of its successes was to ban The Nation and The New Republic from public schools in California.
Some scholars have suggested the organization has influenced conservative politics in California to this day.