The rise of American consumerism in the late 19th and early 20th centuries was influenced by several key factors, including:
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Vertical Integration, Horizontal Integration, and Trust-friendly Policies: The consolidation of industries through vertical and horizontal integration allowed companies to control production and distribution more effectively, leading to lower costs and increased availability of goods. Trust-friendly policies facilitated the creation of monopolies and oligopolies, enabling large corporations to dominate markets and produce goods at scale.
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Gold in the West, the Relocation of Native Americans, Manifest Destiny: The discovery of gold and other resources in the West drew settlers, leading to an influx of wealth and the expansion of infrastructure. Manifest Destiny fueled the belief in the nation's expansion, promoting economic opportunities and consumer goods availability. The relocation of Native Americans paved the way for the establishment of new markets and resource extraction.
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Immigration, Labor Unions, Workers' Rights: The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw a significant increase in immigration, which provided a large labor force for factories and industries. Labor unions emerged to advocate for workers' rights, improving wages and working conditions, allowing more workers to participate in consumer culture.
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Advertisement, Department Stores, Being Able to Buy Things on Credit: The rise of mass media and advertising created a new consumer culture, promoting goods and lifestyles. Department stores became popular shopping destinations, offering a wide range of products under one roof. The introduction of credit systems allowed consumers to purchase goods they could not afford outright, encouraging more spending and consumption.
Together, these factors created an environment conducive to the growth of consumerism in America, shaping not only the economy but also societal norms and values related to consumption.