How did the consumer economy in the late 1800s effect American life?
Writeacher provides the best advice on research.
It looks as if what you need to do is learn how to conduct thorough and effective searches for yourself. That's what research is, and I'm sure that's what your teacher expects you to do -- conduct research. You are searching for information that is so specific that you have to be prepared for the possibility that none of it may be online. Or some may be, and some may not. In addition to searching on the Internet, you also need to make best friends with the reference librarian(s) in your local or college library.
http://hanlib.sou.edu/searchtools/
At this webpage, you can go immediately to the search sites (first three columns across the top) -- or even better you can scroll down until you see the section called HOW TO SEARCH THE INTERNET. Those are the links to start with. You'll not only learn how to come up with good search terms, but also how to evaluate the webpages you get as results. Some will be good and others will be garbage. You need to know how to tell the difference.
My favorite way to search is to go to Google's advanced search page http://www.google.com/advanced_search?hl=en and put my search words or phrases into the first or second search box (either "all the words" or "exact phrase"). However, there many other strategies for searching you can use, and the HOW TO SEARCH THE INTERNET section will help you best.
Learning to use Google or other search engines can save you time and help you learn to find information efficiently. Here are some websites that can teach you how:
http://www.lib.berkeley.edu/TeachingLib/Guides/Internet/FindInfo.html
http://hanlib.sou.edu/searchtools/searchtips.html
http://www.pandia.com/goalgetter/index.html
http://websearch.about.com/mbody.htm?once=true&COB=home&PM=112_100_T
... and one to help you judge whether a particular website's information is worth your time:
http://hanlib.sou.edu/searchtools/evaluate.html
Happy searching.
=)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panic_of_1873
The consumer economy in the late 1800s had a profound effect on American life. To understand this impact, we need to delve into the context and the factors that contributed to the emergence of the consumer economy during that time.
1. Industrialization: The late 1800s witnessed a rapid industrialization and urbanization process in America. This led to technological advancements, increased production, and the growth of factories. The assembly line and mass production techniques introduced by industries like steel, automobiles, and textiles led to a higher availability of consumer goods and reduced their cost.
2. Advertising and Marketing: With the rise of consumer goods, companies recognized the need to create demand for their products. Thus, advertising and marketing techniques evolved and became more prevalent during this period. Advertisements in newspapers, magazines, and billboards were used to create desire for new goods and inform consumers about their existence.
3. Rise of Department Stores: Department stores emerged as key players in the consumer economy during this time. These stores provided a wide range of goods under one roof, attracting customers through their glamorous displays, attentive customer service, and the ability to browse and compare products. Department stores transformed shopping into a pleasurable experience and contributed to the growth of consumer culture.
4. Increased Disposable Income: As industrialization expanded and wages rose, more Americans found themselves with disposable income – money left over after necessities were met. This allowed them to spend on non-essential goods and services, essentially fueling the consumer economy.
So, how did this consumer economy impact American life?
1. Social and Cultural Changes: The emergence of the consumer economy led to changes in American lifestyles and culture. Previously, people mainly engaged in subsistence farming or producing goods for their own use. Now, they had access to a wide array of products. Americans began to define themselves through material possessions, and the pursuit of acquiring goods and wealth became central to their identity.
2. Increased Standard of Living: The availability of consumer goods improved American standards of living. Innovations like household appliances, ready-made clothing, and new technologies increased convenience, saved time, and affected daily life positively. The consumer economy played a significant role in elevating the overall quality of life for many Americans.
3. Expansion of Credit and Debt: With the rise of the consumer economy, credit systems emerged, allowing people to purchase goods on installment plans. This enabled individuals to access goods beyond their immediate financial means. However, this also led to a growth in personal debt, as people increasingly relied on credit to afford their desired lifestyles.
4. Economic Growth and Job Opportunities: The consumer economy fueled economic growth by increasing demand for goods and services. It stimulated job opportunities, not only in manufacturing but also in retail, advertising, marketing, and related industries. This resulted in urban migration as people sought employment in the growing consumer-driven sectors.
Overall, the consumer economy of the late 1800s revolutionized American life by transforming the way people consumed, prioritized their needs and desires, and defined their identity. It had far-reaching effects on social, cultural, and economic aspects, shaping the development of modern American society.