AP US History in 1 Minute Daily: Late 19th Century Popular Culture (Day 199/309)

Hey APUSHers, let’s chat about Late 19th Century Popular Culture as part of my series- APUSH in 1 Minute Daily!

The Boating Party, Wikimedia Commons

The late 19th century in the United States witnessed a vibrant and evolving popular culture shaped by various social, technological, and economic changes. 

Marshall Field Department Store Postcard, Chuckman Chicago Nostalgia

The rise of consumer culture through advancements in the visual arts and advertising contributed to the popularity of department stores, where Americans could access a wide array of goods. 

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Wikimedia Commons

Advancements in communication, such as the growth of newspapers, magazines, and mass produced literature, facilitated the dissemination of popular culture to a broader audience. 

The Great Coney Island Water Carnival, Wikimedia Commons

With lower working hours and improved transportation, leisure activities increased. New forms of entertainment, including vaudeville shows, amusement parks, and sporting events particularly baseball, contributed to a sense of community and national identity.

In the late 19th century American popular culture reflected the changing social fabric and new forms of entertainment emerged and facilitated national identity.

Join me tomorrow as I explain the Gilded Age in the next APUSH in 1 Minute Daily!