Before the 1920s, the United States was a nation made up of opposing views, interests, and ideas. As the pieces began to come together, tensions began to erupt between those who clung to the past and those who looked to the future. Although each side had a different vision of America's future, both helped make a great impact on the arts, people, and way of life of the United States. In different areas of the United States, people expressed their thoughts of "modernization" through the arts. Sinclair Lewis was an American novelist and in Babbitt he described the new typical American man. His daily life is controlled by superior beings around him; such as priests and government officials. However, this new typical American man has become more interested in the materialistic possessions around him. Lewis believed that a crisis was beginning in America due to this new lifestyle's reliance on materialistic possessions to replace the true joys of life. (Doc A) Others, however, saw this new modernization as positive. In 1922, Joseph Stella created The Bridge, which represents the progress of architectural innovations. Architecture had come a long way, and these modern advances were benefiting America as a whole. (Doc B) Furthermore, religious art was changing. Sister McPherson promoted the idea of ​​a happy and less fearful religious vision. He described a possible vision of Heaven and all the beauty it will contain. It replaces fear, sin, and hell with a happier, more peaceful version of religion. (Doc I) Although many sided with Stella and Sister McPherson and their vision of the “new,” some, like Sinclair Lewis, believed that America was going in the wrong direction. But the need for new attitudes is... a paper medium... to turn to. (Doc D) Some lifestyle disagreements even made it to court. The Tennessee Evolution case showed the different opinions on evolution. The ideas of modern science were increasingly accepted, while traditional forms of religion struggled to maintain their dominant power. This process helped promote the idea that there is no single correct interpretation of religion, but that it can still have its place in American life. (Doc C) These tensions continued to divide Americans over how to continue their way of life. During the 1920s, Americans expressed different visions of their future. Some wanted to continue with traditional ways, while others believed that modernizing our nation was the key to its success. As opinions expressed themselves more openly and attempted to impose themselves on each other, tensions between the two groups became stronger.