The Modernization of America Essay -- essays papers

The Modernization of AmericaThe Transcontinental Railroad was completed in 1869. The surround was invented in 1876. The first practical system for a radio was developed in 1895. The Wright brothers created a flying machine in 1903. The first gas power automobile, the assembly line and the refrigerator were produced in the early 20th century. These are all very important steps in laying the foundation for the modernization of America, but I would argue that the first truly modern period in American history would have to be the 1920s.The 1920s brought a free-enterprise(prenominal) population who, as a nation, leaned toward isolationism. In two main fields, the 1920s modernized American society to reflect the America of the 21st century more than any era before it. These fields are media and business.Along with a naked decade came a new attitude from the media. By 1922 there were 22 magazines in circulation and by the end of the 1920s, 40% of Americans owned a radio. The f irst tabloid magazine appeared in 1919. The media that we know today spawned from this growth in the 20s. This new type of mass media permitted the spreading of national trends or obsessions, such as flagpole sitting. A 21st century equivalent to this type of rather quaint behavior of national trends could be the Christmas Tickle me Elmo or Furby craze over the last few years. The national connection that the mass media provided also allowed for fashion to accommodate important and for heroes in th...