U.S. Film Industry: Social Changes, Technology, and Cultural Impact (1890-1940)

What social changes between 1890 and 1910 contributed to the emergence of the film industry?

Industrialization, urbanization, immigration, and new technology created demand for cheap, visual entertainment.

How did industrialization impact the film industry?

It created factory work and increased demand for leisure activities, leading to the birth of the film industry.

What role did urbanization play in the film industry's growth?

Urbanization led to larger audiences in big cities, which fueled the demand for films.

Why were silent films significant for immigrant audiences?

Silent films broke language barriers, making them accessible to diverse audiences.

What technological advancements facilitated the film industry's development?

Inventions by Edison, projectors, and the use of electricity enabled the production and screening of films.

What was the effect of the film industry on culture during its emergence?

Film became a mass culture phenomenon, leading to early anxieties about censorship.

How did movies serve as a flashpoint for social conflict?

Movies stirred debates over class, morality, and race, leading to censorship and protests.

What fears did elite groups have regarding immigrant audiences and film?

Elite fears centered around the influence of 'lowbrow' culture on immigrant crowds.

What was the significance of the Hays Code in the film industry?

The Hays Code was an industry self-regulation measure established in the 1930s to address moral concerns.

How did World War I influence the film industry?

WWI reshaped culture and society, cementing Hollywood's global dominance through propaganda and shared national experiences.

What was the impact of the Great Depression on Hollywood?

The Great Depression exposed failed policies, led to studio bankruptcies, and forced consolidation in the film industry.

How did films reflect societal attitudes during the Great Depression?

Films served as both an escape and a reflection of societal issues, showcasing themes like gangster and horror narratives.

What cultural shifts were expressed in films during the Great Depression?

Films expressed shock, conflict, and new attitudes, shifting from blind optimism to skepticism and reform.

What role did stars like Chaplin and Pickford play in consumer culture?

They became brands that fueled consumer culture, normalizing spending and advertising goods through their films.

What was the effect of vertical integration in the film industry?

Vertical integration allowed studios to mass-produce films similarly to industrial production methods, enhancing efficiency.

How did films during the Great Depression address themes of resilience?

Films depicted both the collapse of societal norms and the resilience of individuals amidst economic hardship.

What was the significance of the film 'Birth of a Nation' (1915)?

It sparked protests from the NAACP due to its portrayal of race, highlighting racial conflicts in cinema.

What was the impact of the Committee on Public Information (CPI) during WWI?

The CPI produced propaganda films that promoted nationalism and unity during the war.