Cultural Innovations at the Turn of the Century

Subject : History

Question:

Identify Supporting Details

The turn of the century brought many “firsts,” including advances in entertainment, education, and the arts. Keep track of those innovations by using a graphic organizer like this one as you read “A Mass Culture Develops” and “A Boom in Popular Entertainment.”

Culture at the Turn of the Century

A) Entertainment

B) Education

C) Art

Expert Verified Description:

To identify supporting details for the statement about advances in entertainment, education, and the arts at the turn of the century, you can fill in a graphic organizer with specific examples and innovations mentioned in the texts “A Mass Culture Develops” and “A Boom in Popular Entertainment.” Here’s how you can organize the information:

Culture at the Turn of the Century

1. Entertainment:

Vaudeville Shows: A popular form of variety entertainment featuring a mix of comedy, music, dance, and drama.

Silent Films: Early motion pictures became a major form of entertainment, leading to the development of the film industry.

Amusement Parks: The emergence of places like Coney Island provided accessible leisure activities for the public.

Sports Events: The growing popularity of spectator sports such as baseball and boxing.

2. Education:

Expansion of Public Schools: Increased access to education for children, including compulsory education laws.

Growth of Higher Education: More universities and colleges were established, making higher education more accessible.

Introduction of Progressive Education Methods: Focus on practical skills and hands-on learning, influenced by educators like John Dewey.

3. Art:

Realism in Literature: Authors like Mark Twain and Henry James wrote about everyday life and social issues, reflecting the changing American society.

The Ashcan School of Art: A movement that depicted scenes of daily life in New York City, particularly of the working class.

Development of Jazz Music: The early 20th century saw the rise of jazz, a uniquely American musical form that became widely popular.

By organizing the innovations under these categories, you can better understand how the turn of the century was a time of significant cultural development in the United States. The advancements in entertainment, education, and the arts not only provide new opportunities for enjoyment and learning but also helped shape a distinct American culture.