Introduction
The period between 1800 and 1860 in America was marked by significant changes in both mass culture and politics. These massive changes affected all elements of the economy and the overall life of the society of that time. Prominent aspects of the social and cultural changes of that period are worth discussing, such as industrialization, the new working class, and cultural innovations, among others.
The Impact of Industrialization on the Working Class
The appearance of industrialization brought a shift from an agrarian to a brand-new industrial society. As factories and manufacturing processes expanded, there was a growing demand for a manual labor force, leading to an influx of workers from rural areas to more urban areas (Avila, 2018). However, this rapid urbanization brought such challenges as poor working conditions, low salaries, and overcrowded living conditions for the working class.
The working class faced numerous hardships and inequalities, which fueled political activism in some communities. Labor movements and trade unions began to form, advocating for better working conditions, shorter working hours, and higher wages. Workers organized strikes and protests to voice their grievances about the ongoing injustice (Avila, 2018). These movements laid the foundation for future labor rights and, as can be seen, influenced political discourse during the period.
When it comes to cultural updates, undeniably, it is closely tied to the spread of industrialization and the growth of cities. Technological advancements, such as the printing press, eased the spread and availability of information and ideas to a broader audience (Avila, 2018). This led to increased distribution of newspapers, pamphlets, and books, allowing for the rapid circulation of knowledge in all classes and the democratization of information.
Conclusion
To summarize, the early 19th century in America witnessed the profound impact of industrialization on mass culture and politics. The rise of industrialization brought social and economic changes, particularly for the working class, leading to political activism and labor movements. Simultaneously, cultural updates and technological advancements facilitated the spread of information to a greater audience. In general, this era laid the foundation for future developments in mass culture and politics, setting the stage for further advancements in the decades to come.
Reference
Avila, E. (2018). American cultural history: A very short introduction. Oxford University Press.