Consumerism During The Progressive Era

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During the Progressive Era, America experienced a shift from the production of capital goods, such as railroad equipment or steel, to consumer goods. As a way of subliminally enforcing the belief that mass consumption was a freedom, many companies began to name their products with the word “liberty” or “…used an image of the Statue of Liberty” (Foner 686). This devious method of advertising made consumers associate products with freedom, which sparked the belief that consumerism was associated with their rights and freedoms as an American citizen. Because of this, there was also a shift in political activism, urging the United States to indulge in the world of consumerism. Much like voting, the ability to take part in mass consumerism was beginning

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