Vaudeville emerged as theater that cut across class and racial lines and was soon replaced by the equally democratic “moving pictures.” Increasingly, people were also able to tune in for live broadcasts of drama, comedy and music from the comfort of their homes via the radio. The first best-selling book lists were published during the Progressive Era. In this environment, American popular culture was born.

As people gained more leisure time, they eagerly sought new forms of diversion and amusement. Cultural changes during this time also created a fertile climate for the commercialization of entertainment. The period known as the Progressive Era in American history – spanning from the late 19 th century through about 1930 – saw swift social and political reform in response to the rise of industrialization and modernization. What researching the music craze of the Progressive Era reveals about the evolution of American popular music What researching the music craze of the Progressive Era reveals about the evolution of American popular music.

Rag time