What kind of entertainment did the Americans have from 1890-1920?

Answer 1

Entertainment in the USA during this period was provided by live theatre, music halls, opera, live concerts, and public exhibitions. Communities everywhere enjoyed travelling fairs and circuses, though especially in rural parts where regular mass entertainment facilities were scarce. Latterly, there was cinema and radio as well.

From 1890 to c.1910 'nickelodeons' were popular. These were an early form of cinema, where moving pictures were provided by 'flick-book' style images accompanied by music- in Edwardian times, the proper cinema began to take over, until by about 1912 these had replaced the earlier technology and were rapidly developing in sophistication. Talking films could only be provided by separate soundtrack records, that were played over loudspeakers in synchronisation with the film, but early colour film using a simple red / blue spectrum was developed just before the outbreak of WW1. The first studios in Hollywood were set up in about 1910, to produce films both for the US and the international market. Radio broadcasting began during the First World War, with receiver sets on sale to the public. Programmes included radio plays, news bulletins, live broadcasts of musical performances, sports updates, and cookery & gardening tips.

Recorded music was widely available by 1890, although this was on wax cylinders rather than the discs we are familiar with. The first record discs were introduced by the Colombia Record Co. in the early 20th Century- single-sided at first, but double-sides followed soon afterwards. People used to host gramophone evenings at their homes- social gatherings where the guests could chat and drink wine whilst listening to the latest recorded releases of opera, musicals or popular tracks. These were most popular during long, balmy Summer evenings, when they could be held in the garden. Gramophones in 1890 were wind-up; by 1920, electric radiograms and stereograms were available. Pubs, bars and saloons usually had a record-player of some sort, as did the great riverboats of the Mississippi- customers enjoyed dancing to the music in between drinks, meals or games of cards.

Being one of the great sporting nations of the world, Americans also loved sports events. American football did not become established until late Edwardian times, but contests for athletics, soccer and horse-racing were organised from local to national level- believe it or not, the English game of cricket was also popular in the US in those days! Coastal states held sailing races, and from around 1905, car racing attratced a huge following, with the Indianapolis 500 race founded a few years later. By the end of the First World War, America was a formidable competitor on the motor racing circuit, using advanced auto technology.