Introduction of Change Reflected in Thought and Writing

ASU HST 200 (Historical Themes) The Growing Pains of Urbanization, 1870-1900 Introduction of Change Reflected in Thought and Writing Americans were living in a world of tremendous transition in the late nineteenth century. In just a few decades, Western expansion, revolutionary new technology, and the emergence of big business had a profound impact on society. The rate of change was much more rapid and difficult for residents of the rapidly expanding metropolitan regions to ignore. A consequence of this period of change was the rise to prominence of a number of well-known writers who, via their fiction or nonfiction, provided a prism through which to see the changes in American culture. America underwent a significant era of social change in the late eighteenth century. Technology breakthroughs and the emergence of large corporations drove the rapid development of the West, bringing about profound changes that the general public could not ignore. The industrial and urban revolutions of this century created a wealth of opportunities and difficulties that altered American culture in previously unheard-of ways. America's geography changed dramatically as cities filled with immigrants and rural migrants seeking work in factories and industries. The formerly primarily rural country started to become more urbanized, with thriving cities becoming major hubs for trade and culture. Numerous social, economic, and cultural changes were brought about by this transition, and the country frequently experienced growing pains as it adjusted to its new reality. A number of writers gained notoriety during this period of social upheaval by providing analysis and reflection on the changes they witnessed in their surroundings. These authors provided a prism through which to see the changing dynamics of American society as cultural observers through their fiction and nonfiction writings. Their works not only encapsulated the spirit of the day, but also acted as a mirror reflecting the paradoxes, hardships, and victories of society. One of the most noteworthy subjects these authors tackled was the effect of urbanization and industry on American identity and values. Traditional ideas of society, family, and individualism were scrutinized and changed as cities grew and businesses flourished. Authors like Upton Sinclair and Theodore Dreiser revealed the inequalities and exploitation that characterized industrial civilization while capturing the hard reality of urban life. Their writings made the working class's predicament more visible and inspired demands for social change and economic fairness. Moreover, a recurrent issue in the literature of the era was the cultural and psychological impacts of urbanization. The intricacies of urban culture were examined by writers such as Edith Wharton and Henry James, who delved into the feelings of moral ambiguity, alienation, and disillusionment that people felt when navigating the quickly evolving metropolitan environment. Readers were moved by their subtle depictions of people battling modernity's demands, which provided an insight into the psychological costs of living in an urban environment. Late nineteenthcentury writers addressed issues of identity, belonging, and cultural transformation in addition to the difficulties of urbanization. Writers like Mark Twain and W.E.B. Du Bois examined the nuances of race, ethnicity, and national identity in their writings as America grew more multicultural and varied. Through their works, they fought against prevalent biases and stereotypes and promoted an inclusive and equitable society. All things considered, the literature of the late nineteenth century bears witness to how industrialization and urbanization shaped American culture. Writers of this age offered timeless insights into the potential and problems of contemporary living, capturing the spirit of a country in flux via their insightful observations and thought-provoking storytelling.