The Middle Class
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The document summarizes aspects of middle class culture that emerged in the late 1800s/early 1900s in America, including changes in standards of living, fashion, education, entertainment, and literature/arts. A growing middle class was able to afford more consumer goods and move out of cities thanks to improved transportation. Literature began exploring social issues and realism, while art like the Ashcan School depicted urban life. Popular entertainment included amusement parks, vaudeville shows, and spectator sports.
The Middle Class
- 1. The Middle Class 10 th Grade American History Learning Target: Explain the effects of the emergence of a middle class and its impact on leisure, art, music, literature, and other aspects of culture.
- 2. A Higher Standard of Living Could afford more products, modernized homes and clothing Some women began to work outside of the home Public transportation allowed wealthier families to move out of the city Public facilities became more available Health increased=longer life Sometimes referred to as the “Victorian Era.”
- 3. Women’s Clothing Women’s clothing was extremely heavy and layered-very hot! Focused on the female figure-ie the corset EVERYTHING had to be covered! Even the ankles!
- 4. Men’s Clothing Depending on what type of hat you wore, determined what class you belonged to. Pants were called “trousers” Evening coats had “tails”
- 5. Catalogs=Order from home!!!! Middle class women could order items for the home and for the family from catalogs Shipping increased as transportation improved
- 8. Literature and the Arts Novelists explored harsh realities of life in America. Focused on exposing slums, poor conditions, discrimination, and morality Mark Twain, Stephen Crane, etc. Aschan School of Painting Represented the vitality of city life Used graphic designs Unlike more traditional paintings
- 9. There’s a BIG difference here! Van Gogh’s paintings were NOT popular at this time!
- 10. Education More Americans could read by the late 1800's/early 1900's Newspapers and Literature Public education became available Kindergarten was established Taught skills to be used in industry Many middle class women went to school to become teachers, nurses, and social workers Many separate schools were created for African-Americans
- 11. Popular Entertainment Amusement Parks Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show Vaudeville Shows Spectator Sports Baseball, horse racing, boxing, football
- 12. Baseball!!!!!
- 13. Assignment! Due next Tuesday! (one week!) What is the middle class like today? Make a “photograph” to compare and contrast how the middle class today appreciates art, music, sports, leisure, and literature as opposed to the past. Your “photograph” must contain at least 10 items. You must also include a brief 2 paragraph essay explaining the difference in living and working conditions for the middle and immigrant classes.