Unit 4 note handout (no blanks)
- 1. Unit 4: Regionalism and Naturalism (1870-1910) Reconstruction • The period after the Civil War is known as reconstruction • African-Americans gained citizenship, equal protection under the law, and the right to vote – Southerners did not want these laws to be enforced – They enacted Jim Crow laws to keep African-Americans oppressed • Much of the South was destroyed and had to be rebuilt, but there was disagreement about how it should be done. • Many Southerners, especially newly freed African-Americans, were very poor and lacked both education and opportunity • Northerners called carpet-baggers came to the South to make money The Gilded Age • The transcontinental railroad was completed in 1869 – It allowed settlers to move west more easily and expanded industry • A small group of men, often called captains of industry, controlled much of the wealth – They lived in luxury and threw lavish parties; this is the reason for the nickname “Gilded Age” • Many Americans began to gain more income which was then spent on non-essentials – This spending boosted the economy even more The Have-Nots • Unfortunately, many other Americans faced oppression and poverty rather than wealth • Native Americans were forced off their land and into reservations • Many African-Americans in the South were very poor and had little opportunity • Additionally, African-Americans were kept powerless by Jim Crow laws • Immigrants fled to the United States where they were often forced to work dangerous factory jobs for low wages and live in crowded, dirty tenement buildings
- 2. Labor Unions • People began noticing the disparity between the Haves and Have-Nots • Labor unions began to form • These groups attempt to protect workers and provide bargaining power • White and black farmers joined the Populist Party in hopes that changes could be made to address needs • Not all people liked Labor Unions (like captains of industry) Laissez Faire • Many people thought that Charles Darwin’s theory of natural selection applied to human society • The idea that people who rise to the top of society are “fit” or better than others is called survival of the fittest • Social Darwinists used these ideas to justify the gap between rich and poor • Laissez Faire is French for “allow to do” • This term is used to argue that businesses should not be regulated Progressivism • An opposite philosophy called the progressive movement began • This movement aimed to correct injustices in American life and help create economic opportunity • Progressivists believed that inequality was unnatural and could be fixed with social change Regionalism • During reconstruction, people were afraid they would lose their local/regional identities • A new type of writing called regionalism began • Regionalism captures the customs, character, and landscapes of distinct regions • This movement was heavily influenced by realism which is the accurate and detailed portrayal of real life
- 3. Local Color • Local color realism is a real-life portrayal of life in specific regions • It often includes dialect native to the region as well as clothing style, mannerisms, customs/traditions, and landscapes • Mark Twain and Kate Chopin are two famous examples of local color writers • 2 of the most famous examples: – Kate Chopin (wrote about women in Louisiana) – Mark Twain (wrote about the Mississippi River and the frontier) Mark Twain • One of the most famous and important authors in American literature is Mark Twain • He wrote mainly about life on the Mississippi River and the frontier • His two most famous works are The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn • He is well-known for using humor, irony, understatement, and exaggeration • Twain was very witty and is often quotes Native American Oral Tradition • In addition to realism, regional literature was inspired by Native American stories • These folk tales, legends, and other stories were passed down as part of an oral tradition • Unfortunately, many Native American stories were lost after U.S. policy seized land, scattered tribes, and forcibly Americanized children in “Indian schools” Naturalism • Another type of writing inspired by realism is naturalism • Naturalism portrays common people and ordinary life but highlights the importance of nature and instinct • It was highly influenced by Charles Darwin • The wealth gap between rich and poor as well as exploitation of immigrants and other workers helped inspire the movement • Famous Naturalist writers include Stephen Crane and Jack London
- 4. Reflection of Reality • Writing often reflects reality • Naturalism portrays the helplessness of humans against forces beyond their understanding and control - It emphasized social and natural forces on the individual • Writers portrayed characters victimized by brutal forces and unable to control their lives Women • The roles of women were beginning to change • Women around the country were campaigning for the right to vote • The growth of the women’s movement spread when more and more began seeking education at colleges and universities • Many women began to write in this time period • Some of these authors are Kate Chopin, Charlotte Perkins Gilman, and Willa Cather