Life in the Late 19th Century

Life in the Late 19th Century

Overview of the Era

• The late 19th century saw profound societal changes in America, driven largely by industrialization.

Big Idea

• Central question: How did the changes brought on by industrialization shape Americans' identities, beliefs, and culture?

Mass Consumerism and the Birth of the Middle Class

• Mass Consumerism: A significant rise in consumer culture marked by the availability of goods to a wider audience.

• Emergence of a Middle Class: A distinct social class emerged, differentiating themselves from the working class.

  • This class was characterized by its members' ability to participate in consumer culture which was open to all demographics: men, women, rich, poor, adults, and children.

• **Barnum & Bailey’s