Birth Of An Empire: The Spanish-American War In Motion Pictures

Kimberly Hooper

Journal # 4

9/24/15

Birth of an Empire

Birth of an empire attempts to explain through U.S cinema. The Spanish-American War in Motion Pictures creates a time when demand for films caught up with the patriotism. Kaplan suggests that Spanish American war starts the growth and expansion of American cinema in the United States. Cinema was used a business tool to make money. This new technique recreated the combination of real and reel distinction of the war. These motion pictures gave the public the chance to see the war through a camera lens by organizing the events a “unified theme” and arranging them chronologically (Kaplan, 153). It showed how fighting for foreign domination, redefined the role of men at home because women

This “new trend” consumerism simultaneously fascinated and annoyed Europe. With its talents in production, art and entertainment it grew to become a major economic and military power during the early 20th century. There were unusually increased in standard of living because of the increase in mass manufacturing. Productivity, creativity and mass production were the core elements of building a powerful economy. America reinforced European ideas through art by demonstrating their new status culturally, economically, technologically in society (Rydall, 104). America’s skills, talents and progress in civilization was displayed and appreciated through their technological inventions that were exhibited throughout Europe. America had succeeded in creating a significant identity on foreign terrain. People hated us and loved us at the same time. There was jealousy floating around because of the independence that America had from their Anglo Saxon influence which at this time was not possible for other nations. America became the icon for civilization not only at home but also on foreign land. It was known as a nation that was moving forward in an “upward direction” (Rydell,