The_Rise_of_Mass_Society

Rise of Mass Society 1 The Rise of Mass Society: The Gilded Age U.S. History 1865 to 1945 Rise of Mass Society 2 The rise of mass culture influenced the beliefs and ideas of the American society that influenced economic and social growth in America. There was rapid industrialization, urbanization, transportation, innovations in science and technology, entertainment, and the rise of big business. Booming within this rise of mass culture were theatrical productions, concerts, spectator sports such as baseball and boxing, new forms of communication such as television, radio, newspapers, and magazines. Theater In The Gilded Age In the late 1800s, society in America was creating a growth of cultural activity. Following reconstruction after the Civil War, Americans were ready to return to a normal lifestyle, but this would prove to be quite different from what they were used to. The period that followed, however, was quite different from what the country was used to having Throughout the Civil War, people strove for a rise in industry, which led to the industrial revolution. As the new century approached, America's businesses and economy was booming that gave people a new view on life. People were ready to escape the grueling regiments of the Victorian era in search of more leisure time, time with family and friends, and entertainment. A rapid increase in industry was on the forefront which was good news for business people because there was money to be made in the vision of creating new forms of entertainment. Rise of Mass Society 3 A popular form of entertainment during the Gilded Age was theatrical melodramas such as the introduction of Shakespeare to the American culture. Touring companies entertained American audiences through the introduction of Shakespearian productions that provided a look into new forms of emerging foreign influence (Hughes, 2010). They performed in mining camps, immigrant neighborhoods, a variety theaters along with others acts such as jugglers, magicians, acrobats, song and dance acts, and comedians. Vaudeville and burlesque shows often entertained with parodies from Shakespeare (Hughes, 2010). These shows featured a large variety of diverse acts and were exciting entertainment to those coming from cities. However, Shakespeare was to become less popular as American audiences craved more forms of entertainment. Other forms of traveling entertainment became extremely popular during this period. One such display was the circus, especially the Barnum & Bailey Circus, which was advertised as "The Greatest Show on Earth" (Digital History). Much like those of today, it featured an array of animals and performers gathered under a big tent. Large tents were set up for huge audiences who came to witness this spectacular production. Another form of theater that had its beginnings in the Gilded Age was the movies. At first, movies were very short and contained no plot structure. Because of their growing popularity, however, the first permanent movie theaters began to spring up. As the movie popularity grew, filmmakers Rise of Mass Society 4 began making movies longer and more sophisticated pleasing their audiences, and by the early 1900s, there were already 10,000 movie theaters throughout the country (Digital History). Sound-based entertainment also grew, and new forms of music such as ragtime and the cakewalk were the new rage. Some people, such as Rudolph Wulitzer, knew how to take advantage of America's new taste for music. Wulitzer was a German immigrant who found moderate success in importing musical instruments from his home country. In the 1890s he invented musical machines such as the first coin-operated electric organ, self-playing harps and pianos, and pipe organs that filled movie theaters with sound (Digital History). His sons later developed the jukebox that would make them a fortune after the Gilded Age was over. Although the leisure and entertainment practices of the Gilded Age were sometimes criticized, entertainment flooded the country and created many business opportunities. People had more free time and an increased access to inexpensive transportation. Americans were also eager to escape the dull routines of daily life, and companies and entrepreneurs took advantage of this. The Gilded Age was not all fun and games, but the growing upper and middle classes yearned to break free from their urban confines. America wanted to be entertained! Communication In The Gilded Age During the Gilded Age, development on railroad transportation system had made significant Rise of Mass Society 5 impact not only on industrial labor supply, market product distribution, but also towards mass-communication for urbanization. Railroads provide great advancement for mail service by shortening the amount of postal delivery time, as well as introducing railway post offices, which allowed the creation of network communication (Hoogenboom, 2010). Likewise, home delivery in cities or urban area and money-ordering system also shortened the distance between individuals, whether the location was east, west, major cities, or rural areas. By 1900, almost four billion postage stamps were sold. Evidently, this illustrated a dramatic increase in personal and business mail usage, which helped contributing a powerful cultural, social, and economic centripetal force (Hoogenboom, 2010). In the late 19th century, the Western Union Telegraph company consolidated most of its competitors into a single unified system; telegraph industry began to provide another alternative for “instant” connect among most American communities during the Gilded Age (Hoogenboom, 2010). Telegraphy was the forerunner of newspapers. In fact, this method was employed by new providers to supply news and features until the early 20th century. This allowed the distribution of various kinds of newspapers and magazines appeared in mass society be possible; and it consequently led America onward on its nation’s cultural and communication advancement. Rise of Mass Society 6 Sports In The Gilded Age The sports that were best known to have been developed during the Gilded Age were tennis, golf, and basketball. Tennis was invented in Great Britain and the first known tennis tournament in the United States took place in 1880 on Staten Island. Mary Outerbridge designed the first American tennis court at the Staten Island Cricket and Baseball Club in the spring of 1874 (Porter, 2010). Golf appeared in the United States by the 1880s. This sport seemed to catch the eye of wealthy, older people. St. Andrews was the first permanent American golf club; it was opened in November 1888. Scotsman John Reid was the man who established the golf club located on John Shotts property (Porter, 2010). John Shotts was the man who was the reason the sport of golf caught many people’s eye. In 1891, Willie Dunn built Shinnecock Hills, which was known as the first golf course to be built. The course was located in Southampton, New York. Dunn teamed up with 150 Indians from Shinnecock Reservation to clear 4,000 acres of land. The course opened in 1892 and had 70 club members. This was a 12-hole course (Porter, 2010). In 1893, this same club opened the first nine-hole course for women (Porter, 2010). The Chicago Golf Club was the first to build an 18-hole course in 1893. “The only major sport purely American in origin was basketball,” (Porter, 2010), this sport was invented by Dr. James Naismith. Dr. Naismith was a physical education teacher in Springfield, Rise of Mass Society 7 Massachusetts. “In January 1892 Naismith wrote the first 13 basketball rules” (Porter, 2010). The game was known as “Springfield ball” or “triangle ball”. The game was later known as basketball after a student named Frank Mahan named it. The Intercollegiate League was developed in 1901 (Porter, 2010). Department Stores In The Gilded Age Before the Civil War, Small businesses such as trading posts or general stores specializing in a small range of merchandise. Retailer and consumers normally traded or negotiate the price of these items within these stores. These businesses were the first form of retail stores in America. After the Civil War, American society was on the rise and life returning to normal. Many entrepreneurs started to envisioned bigger business or a one stop shop. Alexander H. Stewart was on of the first to open one of these bigger businesses, later to be called department stores. Stewart’s three story store, which sold women’s dry goods, was the first to have nonnegotiable prices. Stewart’s department store even with the ability for customers to return items was not the vision of most department store entrepreneurs. Many entrepreneurs wanted to see a retail store that provided everything within one building a true one-stop-shop. American entrepreneurs such as Adam Gimbel, Edward Filene, and Marshall Fields modeled Bon Marche. Marche opened a true department store in Paris. The Paris store had Rise of Mass Society 8 men’s, women’s, children’s items, and items for one’s home. John Wananmaker was the first entrepreneur to use new technology inside of his department store. Wananmaker used “escalators, indoor electric lighting, and Pneumatic tubes fro sending cash” (Ershkowitz, 2010). Technology and multidepartment was not the only items, which drown customers to these massive stores. Many department stores added entertainment to draw in consumers. From conductors to massive photo display of the West to displays of the latest fashion from overseas were placed inside. Department stores with all of the technology, multidepartment, and entertainment, made it hard for small business. Many small businesses went out of business as department stores could keep their prices competitive. By the 1930’s when the Great depression hit, many department stores went out of business or joined forces to form stores such as the Federated Stores. Conclusion The Gilded Age for America was a time of immense economic growth that created vast riches during the Gilded Age. New products, businesses, communications, technologies, transportation, and entertainment improved the quality of life for all classes and cultures. It was a time for America and its people to enjoy life and reap its benefits. Rise of Mass Society 9 References Hughes, W. (2010). “Theater During The Gilded Age.” Retrieved January 26, 2011, from American History online: http://www.fofweb.com/activelink2.asp'ItemID=WE52&iPin=EAHVI280&SingleRecord =True Entertainment In The Gilded Age. Retrieved January 27, 2011 from http://www.digitalhistory.uh.edu/ database/article_display.cfm'HHID=143 Hoogenboom, Ari. (2010). “Communications Technology”, 1870–1900. In Hoogenboom, Ari, and Gary B. Nash, eds. Encyclopedia of American History: The Development of the Industrial United States, 1870 to 1899, Revised Edition (Volume VI). New York: Facts On File, Inc. Porter, David L. “Sports and Recreation In The Gilded Age.” Encyclopedia of American History: The Development of the Industrial United States, 1870-1899, Revised Ed. (Vol. VI). New York: Facts on File, Inc., 2010. American History Online. Facts on file, Inc http://www.fofweb.com/activelink2.asp' Rise of Mass Society 10 Ershkowitz, Herbert. “Department Stores During The Gilded Age.” In Hoogenboom, Ari, and Gary B. Nash, eds. Encyclopedia of American History: The Development of the Industrial United States, 1870 to 1899, Revised Edition (Vol. VI). New York: Facts On File, Inc., 2010. Retrieved on 01/29/2011 from http://www.fofweb.comezproxy.apollolibrary.com/History/Reference.asp'ID=18 566&InputText=Gilded+Age&SID=1&AmericanData=Set&WomenData=Set&AFHCD DataSet&IndianData=Set&WorldData=Set&AncientData=Set References Hughes, W. (2010). “Theater During The Gilded Age.” Retrieved January 26, 2011, from American History online: http://www.fofweb.com/activelink2.asp'ItemID=WE52&iPin=EAHVI280&SingleRecord =True Entertainment In The Gilded Age. Retrieved January 27, 2011 from http://www.digitalhistory.uh.edu/ database/article_display.cfm'HHID=143 Brinkley, A. (2007). American history: A survey (12th ed.) Burr Ridge, IL. McGraw Hill. Hoogenboom, Ari. (2010). “Communications Technology”, 1870–1900. In Hoogenboom, Ari, and Gary B. Nash, eds. Encyclopedia of American History: The Development of the Industrial United States, 1870 to 1899, Revised Edition (Volume VI). New York: Facts On File, Inc. Porter, David L. “Sports and Recreation In The Gilded Age.” Encyclopedia of American History: The Development of the Industrial United States, 1870-1899, Revised Ed. (Vol. VI). New York: Facts on File, Inc., 2010. American History Online. Facts on file, Inc http://www.fofweb.com/activelink2.asp' Ershkowitz, Herbert. “Department Stores During the Gilded Age.” In Hoogenboom, Ari, and Gary B. Nash, eds. Encyclopedia of American History: The Development of the Industrial United States, 1870 to 1899, Revised Edition (Vol. VI). New York: Facts On File, Inc., 2010. Retrieved on 01/29/2011 from http://www.fofweb.comezproxy.apollolibrary.com/History/Reference.asp'ID=18 566&InputText=Gilded+Age&SID=1&AmericanData=Set&WomenData=Set&AFHCD DataSet&IndianData=Set&WorldData=Set&AncientData=Set [pic][pic][pic]