How The Other Half Lives, And Upton Sinclair s Book, The...

During the late 19th century and early 20th century, America increased drastically in industrialization, consumerism, and urbanization. With these increases a â€Å"Mass Consumerism† movement began and effected the middle class more than others. From the increase in consumerism, Thorstein Veblen introduced a new phrase called conspicuous consumption. This was indicated towards wealthy Americans that the best way to prove superiority is to show off their wealth. This negatively effected Americans and their perception on others. With the massive increase in industrialization and urbanization, Americans living in poverty and with poor jobs were mostly effected negatively than others. In Jacob Riis’s book, How the Other Half Lives, and Upton Sinclair’s book, The Jungle, it opened the eyes of Americans not living and working in these conditions. After the government and American people witness the horror some citizens must deal with, changes will occur and improve co nditions. Mass Consumerism affected American society by persuading Americans to buy certain items and making shopping more convenient. Middle class families were more affected from mass consumerism, because the middle class filled white collared jobs, and this would give them more disposable income to spend on whatever they like. Department stores were made to persuade and appeal to consumers, and these stores would carry all consumer needs, sitting and resting areas, and restaurants, to persuade people to stay longer inShow MoreRelatedThe Importance Of The Progressive Era1310 Words   |  6 PagesFrank Norris, Jacob Riis, and Upton Sinclair are a few muckrakers whose work aided to progressive political reform that cured some major problems in the industry. One muckraker who sensationalized the conflicts between railroads and wheat farmers through his writing was Frank Norris. One of his most well-known works was a novel called The Octopus: A Story of California. In this novel he uses made up characters based off of people he interviewed around California. In contrast to other muckraker’s worksRead MoreThe American Of American History4245 Words   |  17 PagesLearning about American history is an extremely fascinating topic. It’s intriguing how our great nation developed and changed throughout history. From wars to treaties, it’s all essential in understanding how our nation has grown to be what it is now. In our ever growing society today, immigrants are migrating to this nation with hopes and dreams. Hopes and dreams that lead them to live a better and more prosperous life. The United States of America is known as big â€Å"melting pot†. This melting potRead MoreFeminine Mystique12173 Words   |  49 P agesRosie to Lucy Questions students must answer in a 500-word (minimum) essay: 1) Describe the post-WWII frustrations felt by women such as Betty Friedan. 2) During the era of â€Å"Rosie the Riveter†, what gains did women make in the workforce? How did these women feel about themselves and their contributions? What did society as a whole think? 3) What role did mass media play during the 1950s and 1960s in regard to supporting or undermining the â€Å"feminine mystique†? 4) Which television heroine