Summary Of The Reorientation Of American Culture In The 1890s

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John Higham's essay "The Reorientation of American Culture in the 1890s" discusses the 1890s and how it was a series of turning points and crises for American society. Higham utilizes the idea of turning points and crises to discuss the 1890s rather than the idea of the 1890s as a watershed moment, often propagated by scholars of earlier decades, because each decade experienced social changes. The title of the essay suggest that the culture of the 1890s was reoriented or took a new direction. The American people, under various circumstances, reinvented their culture to represent the needs of American society. American society in the 1890s was affected by an economic crisis, industrial strife and political unrest. Although these economic and …show more content…

Where in the past Dartmouth College seemed isolated, by the 1890s they used their location to establish ties with the ruggedness of nature, and thus becoming a popular place for young men to study. The ruggedness of nature appealed to "The New Man" who wanted to be rugged and virile themselves. Being a cultured gentleman was a thing of the Victorian past, the 1890s called for "The New Man" to be athletic and virile. Competitive athletics such as football began to make its way throughout the United States in the 1890s and allowed for the development of an American passion for team sports. Athleticism began at the university and spread to all levels and groups in society. Theodore Roosevelt suggested that Americans shed the Victorian ideal of living a cloistered life and embrace the outdoor life. Victorian values embraced the sheltered life of a gentleman and a lady where they did not engage in any strenuous outdoor activities, but Roosevelt and others sought to promote the outdoor life. Along with an appreciation for athleticism and a preference for masculinity, came an increase in militarism and jingoism. Militarism can be related to the new culture that arose 1890s because “The New Man” was a virile and masculine man, ready to join the military to fight for his county. The 1890s saw a rise in U.S. patriotism which was evident in flag ceremonies, the use of the Pledge of Allegiance and the spread of patriotic

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