The Dawn of Mass Culture

Section 16*4pp. 498-503

Preview Questions

• What leisure activities and sports became popular with Americans at the turn of the 20th century?

• What new media technology led to the spread of mass culture?

• How did the growth of cities change the way in which goods were sold?

I. American Leisure

• Amusement Parks – Escape from city

life – Ex: Coney Island,

NY

I. American Leisure

• Bicycling

• Tennis

I. American Leisure

• Boxing

• Baseball – First World Series 1903– Segregated leagues for African-

Americans

II. The Spread of Mass Culture

• Pulitzer– New York World– Sensational headlines sell papers

• Hearst– New York Journal– Exaggerated and imaginary stories

II. The Spread of Mass Culture

• Fine Arts– Realism: Ashcan School – Public Libraries

• Popular Fiction– Realistic portrayal of American life– Mark Twain’s Huckleberry Finn

III. New Ways to Sell Goods

• Shopping Centers • Department Stores

– Marshall Field’s – Appeal to women

• Chain Stores– Woolworth’s– Low priced goods

• Advertising – Increased newspaper and magazine

ads– Billboards

• Catalogs and RFD– Montgomery Ward and Sears– Appeal to rural areas

III. New Ways to Sell Goods