From Rosie to Apple

For the last 60 years, the United States has gone from the end of the WWII in 1945 to the increase of spending power and consumerism to what America is today, a pluralistic country.

The United States has had a strong military presence on its culture.  After WWII, the Jeep car was introduced to every day life, large amount of war veterans coming back home initiated the Baby Boom phenomenon influencing the house market with new constructions, and the establishment of new neighborhoods. On the other hand,“Rosie The Riveters” lost their jobs replacing men on factory jobs and moved back in to the family life with kids, but not without a fight. It is true to say that was during that time  washing machines, dishwashers, and television were among the most popular items to be consumed by families. During the beginning of the 1950s, television was so prominent that affected how and when family members interact with each other.

It was during the 1960s that a new and more affective birth control measure was created allowing women to limit the number of children they wanted to have, despise religious pressure. That affected directly the relationship between children and parents, less kids more attention to each one, more money available for entertainment, education, and leisure time. And the car was the family favorite transportation. For the American youth as well, which was anxious to remove themselves from parental control and search for self-identity(1). It was also during the 1960s, the civil rights movement initiated by a Baptist pastor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., advocated for equality and the end of segregation. After his death, which was felt among all religious leaders and their followers, the United States understood the meaning of such dark times in our history. Consequently, America is a more tolerant country today, even tough gay and lesbian rights are a work in progress. The world looks different on the far side of the 1960s, for the diverse ambitions of the counterculture did in fact produce significant changes in America(2).

The lack of support to the Vietnam war during the 1970s, was marked by a time of freedom and rebellion, and the automobile led the way to rock festivals, outdoor camping trips, and became for some their own home. The VW Kombi, was among one of the favorite automobile during the 60s and 70s, especially if it was painted in psychedelic colors(3).

I was a teen during the 1980s, and what a time. The US was at war with Communism, Ronald Reagan was a handsome President who was supported by the state and the church, AIDS was first diagnosed, and technology was on the way to the computer era.

In the face of pluralism and cultural globalization, during the 1990s and 2000s, the US started to experience the era of private computers bringing it to the communication era. Furthermore, the concern for the planet and human footprint, companies have become more interested in being exposed by how much contribution they make to the world problems opposed to how much money they make,  BP petroleum company is an example of world relieve contributor, even tough one can argued its interest. It is agreeable that in the face of pluralism, people have the responsibility or burden to take a side and make choices, never the less, “we are dealing with lives an minds, we are dealing with people”(4).

Footnote:
(1) Heitmann, John. The Automobile and American Life, 160.
(2) Deloria, Philip J. Playing Indians, 165.
(3) Heitmann, John. The Automobile and American Life, 165.
(4) Levine, Lawrence. Highbrow Lowbrow, The Emergency of Culture Hierarchy In America, 256.

     The automobile can be described as an American symbol that influenced the culture of the mid 20th century and its industry. Before the car came a long, means of personal transportation were done by horses and then bicycles. But as a consequence of the Industrial Revolution in the beginning of the 20th century, many factors facilitated the development and mass production of cars, which changed America technologically, socially, and culturally. More than personal means of transportation, cars, trucks, and warfare vehicles like the Jeep, became part of America identity(1).

      Technologically, America benefited from “the immigration of European automotive engineers” during the first decade of the twentieth century(2). Manufacturers of bicycles, carriages, and wagons evolved to produce cars. One important name was Henry Ford. We all know about Henry Ford and his Model T car, whose leadership in developing mass production created the Machine Age(3).The development of cars raised important questions concerning the quality of roads, manufacturing techniques,and legislation(4).

     Social changes facilitated by the automobile industry included the shape of urban areas, new government regulations, the “Americanization”of immigrants, and African Americans inclusion in the automobile industry(5). In 1939, at the New York World’s Fair, General Motors company, exhibited the model of road-building machine, called “factory in wheels”(6). It was set to construct roads at a fast pace. The development of road was important during WWII, war machinery and personnel had to be mobilized from various distances.“As the automobile was an easy thing to steal”(7), state government created license, title, and registrations as a response to auto theft(8). During 1910s, Henry Ford embarked on a quest to Americanize immigrants. He believed immigrants lacked the industrial experience but had the men power and will to work, therefore could be trained, the “application of scientific management to achieve mass production required a regulated human element”(9). Ford also implemented a $5 dollars working day aiming to transform the lives of immigrants socially and culturally establishing a “modern factory life”. His inclusion of African Americans in factory model was one of the reasons of their migration to Northern industrial centers(10), as well as trying to scape “the Jim Crow American south”, where their freedom was limited(11).

         Culturally, the automobile industry influenced many aspects, if not them all, of the American life from the city to the farm. Music was written about cars, and for cars(12). The film industry included vehicles in and out of the screen. They were used to create drama and comedy, or transport characters from scene to scene(13). Car racing was an event, attracting hundreds of people. Suburbia neighborhoods were established, consequence of the movement of people facilitated by cars. Church and Religion was also influenced by the private used of vehicles, specially at rural areas. Isolated farms could congregate at central churches, but some “fargo Sunday service for the joys of the open road”(14).Travel was more accessible. Families enjoyed themselves traveling from one state to another. In addition, camps, cabins, gas stations, and restaurants were also integrated to life along the road(15). Women was ”striving for freedom in the home and in politics”(16).  By driving a car, women was able to have jobs as drivers of ambulances during WWI, and have the freedom to come and go with family chores. Never the less, for us during the 21st century, is unimaginable to understand life without private transportation as we are so depended up on it.

     The automobile industry is a symbol of America culture and its industry. Some industrial developments were so influential that changed peoples lives for the best, facilitating, adding, and creating trends, the car is one of them. Since the automobile industry was established, its influence could be seen at all aspects of America life, for the best or worse.

Footnote:
(1) Heitmann, John. The Automobile and American Life, McFarland & Company, Inc. Publishers, 123. 
(2) Heitmann, John. The Automobile and American Life, McFarland & Company, Inc. Publishers, 18.
(3) Heitmann, John. The Automobile and American Life, McFarland & Company, Inc. Publishers, 32.
(4) Heitmann, John. The Automobile and American Life, McFarland & Company, Inc. Publishers, 11.
(5) Heitmann, John. The Automobile and American Life, McFarland & Company, Inc. Publishers, 39.
(6) Heitmann, John. The Automobile and American Life, McFarland & Company, Inc. Publishers, 63.
(7) Heitmann, John. The Automobile and American Life, McFarland & Company, Inc. Publishers, 48.
(8) Heitmann, John. The Automobile and American Life, McFarland & Company, Inc. Publishers, 49.
(9) Heitmann, John. The Automobile and American Life, McFarland & Company, Inc. Publishers, 39.
(10) Heitmann, John. The Automobile and American Life, McFarland & Company, Inc. Publishers, 40.
(11) Heitmann, John. The Automobile and American Life, McFarland & Company, Inc. Publishers, 115.
(12) Heitmann, John. The Automobile and American Life, McFarland & Company, Inc. Publishers, 26.
(13) Heitmann, John. The Automobile and American Life, McFarland & Company, Inc. Publishers, 27.
(14) Heitmann, John. The Automobile and American Life, McFarland & Company, Inc. Publishers, 87.
(15) Heitmann, John. The Automobile and American Life, McFarland & Company, Inc. Publishers, 83.
(16) Heitmann, John. The Automobile and American Life, McFarland & Company, Inc. Publishers, 94.

Guilded Age & Progressive Era

      Although the history of the United states is indeed a history of immigration(1), during the period of 1890 to 1914, some 15 millions of immigrants arrived in th United States adding to the 31 million of Americans already here. As consequence of the Industrial Revolution, wealth and prosperity was at its high, American cities were booming with new construction and developing very fast. Immigrants were coming from various European countries to work, and cities became overcrowded. Crime, poverty, and almost inhumane conditions described American slumps in the East, especially in the New York area where most immigrants arrived. While in the West, cowboys ruled the frontier, they had an independent mentality and sense of a lawless authority. 

The Progressive Era was a period of social activism and political reform. It aimed to eliminate corruption but at the same time reform government on a state/national level. The United States was not ready to absorb such a large amount of people, it lacked infrastructure and social organizational laws. The Progressives wanted to justified social and economic differences with a scientific explanation. Social Darwinism explained survival of the fittest were only the strongest can survive, as it was an excuse to race discrimination. Two distinctive social classes were divided by economics. The “better class, the most refined and intelligent of our citizens, the high minded”(2), including the White Anglo Saxon Protestants (WASPs) and the new immigrants with their “overwhelming flood of vulgarity which was sweeping over our land”(3). WAPs were not only outraged by immigrants lack of “bon-ton” but Irish, Italians, and German immigrants were Catholics too, which was seen by them as a threat to purified Christianity of Protestantism (4). These two sides of society, Gilded on one side and rusted on another will be exposed while Progressives aim to force the government to set rules and regulations.


      At a time where the great European opera singers were journeying to America(5). The cultural leaders influence the culture to what they believed it should be, aimed to transform the audience and performers in to “marionettes”, novelist  Joseph Conrad continued to state that “to make art possible, performers and audiences had to submit to creators and become mere instruments of the will, mere auditors of the productions of the artist” (6). L. Levine also includes Theodore Thomas as a example of enormous importance in the development of American culture, but for him opera was not where the action was, he believed “symphony orchestra show the culture of the community”(7), he meant “the list of audiences sins was long and troublesome”(8), a reflection of their lack of musical culture and manners, stated Henry Finck. Regulation was encourage, New York Philharmonic president George Templeton Strong stated that music lovers had to follow the disciplinary process as those who visit museums and parks “we must enforce our regulations against that abuse more strictly”(9).


   With railroad expansion, Americans were able to travel from East to West in six days, opposed of three months before the railroad reached the West. The Homestead act encourage settlement in areas along the Mid-West all the way to the Pacific Ocean. War Veterans found a great deal of money hunting Buffalo down and selling hide for the manufacture of a variety of items. Extermination of Buffaloes ended Native American life-style, Buffaloes were not only their primary natural resource but a way of life. They were forced in to government reservation areas. Deloria argued that Indians offered patriotic role models for American youth(10), which helped shape modern American character for children. As a consequence of Indians extermination way of life, and the need to expose them to such, the Boy Scout of America was founded by Ernest Thompson Seton who believed that “our civilization was a failure”(11)as a result of progress. He also stated “how easy it was to lose track of individual and social identities, which seemed to fragment the instant they collided with the corporation, the factory, and the city”, people of different races, ethnicity, and national origins melted together in the growing industrial working class”(12)had to find common ground to better their existence.

     America society was changing fast, progress was exposing the country to new challenges including a working class who had no rights, working security, or benefits.  The dominant issues were rights for Black Americans, tariff policy, and monetary policy. Reformers worked for civil service reform, prohibition, and woman suffrage. As the number of work related casualties increased and poor working conditions were exposes, government was forced to take action. The book “The Jungle” by Upton Sinclair, was one of the tools in which industry unsanitary conditions were disclosed, forcing government at a national level to take action and regulate work conditions, public health, and provide food regulation. In 1906, FDA ( Food and Drug Agency)was created. To improve city living situations, the government regulated building and added construction codes including bathrooms to be built inside rental units eliminating outdoor sewage and minimizing the spread of disease. During the first decade of the 20th century, Unions were created to guarantee employees  working conditions, higher pay, and job security. The Government improved many sector at national and state level including Mugshot system which allowed the police to maintain a criminal record and guns, which were part of America identity, had to be produced with serial numbers. Waste collection system was also established. American character was challenged but has proven to overcome difficulties shaping the 20th century we see today.


Footnote:
(1) Gaustad, Edwin. The Religious History of America, 209.
(2) Levine, Lawrence. Highbrow and Lowbrow: The Emergency of Cultural Hierarchy in America
( Cambridge Harvard University Press), 101.
(3) Levine, Lawrence. Highbrow and Lowbrow: The Emergency of Cultural Hierarchy in America
( Cambridge Harvard University Press), 173.
(4) Gaustad, Edwin. The Religious History of America, 171.
(5) Levine, Lawrence. Highbrow and Lowbrow: The Emergency of Cultural Hierarchy in America
 ( Cambridge Harvard University Press), 89.
(6) Levine, Lawrence. Highbrow and Lowbrow: The Emergency of Cultural Hierarchy in America
 ( Cambridge Harvard University Press), 184/185.
(7 ) Levine, Lawrence. Highbrow and Lowbrow: The Emergency of Cultural Hierarchy in America
 ( Cambridge Harvard University Press), 112.
(8) Levine, Lawrence. Highbrow and Lowbrow: The Emergency of Cultural Hierarchy in America
 ( Cambridge Harvard University Press), 182.
(9) Levine, Lawrence. Highbrow and Lowbrow: The Emergency of Cultural Hierarchy in America
 ( Cambridge Harvard University Press), 186.
(10) Deloria, Philip. Playing Indians, (New Haven: Yale Historical Publication, 1998), 96.
(11) Deloria, Philip. Playing Indians, (New Haven: Yale Historical Publication, 1998), 99.
(12) Deloria, Philip. Playing Indians, (New Haven: Yale Historical Publication, 1998), 99.

Becaming a Nation

After the Revolution that gave the United States an independent nation status, they began to established a view of themselves, religion affiliations, and social strata. “With a new generation of leaders, the Republican Party” came to “embrace the principles of government activism and the development of large-sale domestic manufacturing” providing the United States with wealth and financial stability. In Religion, the America Revolution must be seen as a struggle for religion no less than civil liberty(1), and social strata was defined by European immigrants, Native Americans, and slavery. North and South states were driven by economic differences and slavery, resulting in the Civil War of 1861.  From the beginning, The United States has been defined as a “cultural melting pot” where diverse groups have contributed to a society who advocate for freedom.

The thirteen states were built by business and trade in the north, plantation-style agriculture in the south, and the adventure of the frontier. Americans had distinct lifestyles geographically separated. In the north was predominate younger immigrants from northern European countries, entrepreneurs looking for good business opportunities. Their life style was driven by maritime trade, cold weather, and a lot of drinking. On the other hand, in the south states a plantation-style economic foundation gave them wealth on the expense of a slavery labor force, which provided them with servitude. Consequently women had more time to educated themselves, have many children, and develop a taste for the arts including Shakespeare's plays which by “the nineteen century had become an integral part of America culture”(2). The comic way in which the plays were performed was easy for all to understand, “becoming part of the nation’s folklore”(3). Also for Literature and arts, it was class-bound and intrinsically anti-egalitarian(4). For the Frontier, there were the interaction of Americans with Native Americans who were viewed as national enemies(5). But the development of railroads facilitating the expansion and establishment of new towns all the way to the Pacific Ocean, Native American populations were isolated in to some areas after many conflicts and resistance.

Religion in America got its wings. Running away from European prosecution many groups moved to America in search of religious freedom. Considered to be the “second great awakening” during the end of the 18th century, Americans no longer professed traditional Christian beliefs(6). These groups had distinct religious view and life styles. For instance the Evangelicals of New England formed missionary societies who travel to the west, the American Bible Society were educators and civic leaders, and the Baptist who had no formal organization, were farmer-preachers that promoted religious gather with in their boundaries. Some of this groups like the Shakers and Oneida communities went as far as to demand celibacy, cancellation of marriage on behalf of a common life, and arranged marriage in favor of a pure breed. Only prominent groups survived and appealed to followers establishing their faith up to today, some examples are the Roman Catholics and Evangelicals.

Social Strata was a consequence of a mercantile wealthy society. In the north, slavery and Native American conflicts were not as prominent as it was in the south, and they also saw black men as equal in regards of fishing, including Whale fishing for production of oil. Slavery being the most unequal reason in the south providing for the development of cotton industries, fueled the conflict between north and south, escalated to war proportions resulting in the Civil War. Cultural background, religion, and social economics can promote diversity but also find common ground. Americans came together to prosper and be free, what ever freedom means.


Footnote:

(1). Gaustad, Edwin., and Leigh Schmidt.  The Religious History of America, 121.

(2). Levine, Lawrence.  Highbrow Lowbrow, 15.

(3). Levine, Lawrence. Highbrow Lowbrow, 18.

(4). Deloria, Philip J. Playing Indians, 75.

(5). Deloria, Philip J. Playing Indians, 43.

(6). US Department of State publication, Outline of America History, “Second Great Awakening”, April 2008.

From Colonialism to Revolution

     In the era of European Colonization, Columbus was a pioneer after landing in the Bahamas in 1492. Native Americans had settlements all across the North American Continent. Damaged by indigenous people, disease, and famine immigrants who came to America during the 16th, 17th, and 18th century looking for economic opportunities and religious freedom struggled to build communities. Regardless of all difficulties, over two million immigrants had settled in America by 1770(1). By then, there were 13 colonies controlled by Great Britain that by 1776 declared independency with a Revolutionary War, consequently transforming the United States of America into a Independent nation. American culture can be defined by the courage, entrepreneurship, and hard work individuals from many nations who came together with a common goal, prosperity.

     American culture can be defined by the immigrants and areas where they choose to settled. Puritans and Pilgrims, as well as French Huguenots, Swiss German Anabaptists were among some groups who searched for religious freedom for themselves, but were often in conflict with one another(2).They brought their religion as well as their family values and working habits to America. Men, women, and children shared responsibilities around the house, caring for the land, animal, and producing every necessary object for their living. America provided land as a number one resource. Disease and lack of sanitation were responsible for many deaths. But by 1620, Indians and colonizers were enjoying some relationship and trading knowledge in favor of the colonizer’s survivor and advancing Indians in their war techniques. That relationship is celebrated with a famous holiday called Thanksgiving. Native American music, textile, and bead work are among some on the influences we still see it today. By the late 17th century, African slaves proved to be a profitable labor force for the tobacco plantations(3). There were an estimated one million slaves working in America by the end of the 18th century. As slavery developed and became more prominent, house servants took the hard work and a social class began to take shape. New England colony in the north benefited from maritime trade, while in the south tobacco plantations thrived with warm weather and the slave trade labor force helped them to become wealthy.

      Every generation born in America grew farther apart from England. Life in America was better than Europe. Families had a average of eight children, were 20% richer and owned their land, and didn't have to pay British tax(4). The 13 colonies in America were important to Great Britain. Out of the port of Boston, about 200 ships were built and about 40% of their exports went to America. After 7 generations of emigrants, they were Americans, not European anymore(5). Conflict built up against the British Crown, which they didn't recognized anymore. Rebellion against alcohol taxation sparked the Revolutionary war leading America to Independency. 

     The “American Dream”, concept in which colonizers lived by, still is the core of America today. Puritans had a dream of a “nation under God”, Christians had a high degree of moral values, and Protestants work ethics and honesty are the big reasons for America’s success. Germans and Irish pushed back the frontiers while the Dutch established banks of commerce. These groups had a great impact on culture, national life, and especially in politics. Our founding fathers who were more than political revolutionaries, they were also farmers who encouraged local production of food, beer, and wine. George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin shared their love for food, setting the standards for American culinary today. Washington was a savvy farmer who developed harvest techniques. Thomas Jefferson brought French culinary influences to America including ice cream(6), and Benjamin Franklin’s famous quote “An apple a day keeps the doctor away”, and his influence in the French use of potatoes(7). He was also responsible for introducing Tofu from China, and Parmesan Cheese from Italy. America greatly benefited from these renaissance men whose knowledge and courage shaped our nation. 

     

     America is a nation built by diverse groups who came together with one purpose, freedom. Their heritage, family values, social dynamics, and religion shaped The United States to be what it today. A land of opportunity, economic thrive, and religious diversity first established by colonial leaders. 

Footnote:

(1) M. Cohen, trans. Christopher Columbus “the Four Voyages” (Penguin classic), 53,54.

(2)America History, History Channel, Episode 1 

  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_class_in_American_history

(3)Dr. Henry Gates Jr, The Transatlantic Slave Trade (PBS 1998)and 

http://www.history.com/videos/origins-of-slavery#origins-of-slavery

(4) Richard Norton Smith, History.com  

(5)http://www.history.com/topics/colonial-culture/videos#life-in-jamestown

(6)Dave DeWitt, The Founding Foodies (sourcebooks 2010), 125.

(7)Dave DeWitt, The Founding Foodies (sourcebooks 2010), 117.

Introduction

Hello Dr. E and class,

     I would like to start introducing myself. My name is Gisele Motta, I am a brazilian born living in the US for the last 20 years. I am pursuing a BA in History and hope to graduate next year. My work is very dynamic and physically intense. As an art technician working for various venues including LACMA, The Broad Art Foundation, and The Annenberg Foundation I am often exposed to Contemporary art and artist who are making a difference in the art world. I also had the opportunity to work abroad installing The Venice Biennale 2007 and was a guest visitor at The Turkish Biennale 2011. A Bachelors of Art degree will definitely expand my knowledge and improve my resume.

     America is a nation built by diverse groups who came together with one purpose, freedom. Their heritage, family values, social dynamics, and religion shaped The United States to be what it is today. A land of opportunity, economic trive, and religious diversity first established by colonial leaders.