Art And Architecture: What Are The Values And Priorities ✓ Solved

Art and Architecture: What are the values and priorities expressed

For Essay 1, you will write a response to one of the following questions: Art and Architecture: What are the values and priorities expressed by these styles? They all have something in common despite the visual differences -- what is it? (Keep in mind that this was the period of America's greatest growth, and also the time of its greatest trauma, the Civil War.) Or, you may write your own question, with the advanced approval of your instructor. Discussion: How did government policy affect America's economic development in the Gilded Age? Were the effects positive or negative for the average American?

Paper For Above Instructions

The Gilded Age in America, spanning from the 1870s to the early 1900s, was a period marked by rapid economic growth, industrialization, and stark contrasts in wealth and poverty. This era bore witness not only to the flourishing of the American economy but also to significant societal upheaval and the aftereffects of the Civil War. In response to the prompt examining the role of art and architecture during this time, it's crucial to explore how these cultural expressions mirrored the complexities and contradictions of the American experience. Additionally, discussions surrounding government policy during the Gilded Age reveal how such policies shaped economic opportunities and societal developments, eliciting both positive and negative consequences for the average American.

Values and Priorities in Art and Architecture

The art and architecture of the Gilded Age reflect a period deeply rooted in the values of progress, ambition, and growth amidst challenges. In architecture, the emergence of new styles such as Romanesque Revival and Beaux-Arts exemplified a fascination with grandeur and stability. Buildings like the New York City Public Library and the Brooklyn Bridge illustrated not only engineering prowess but also an aspiration for cultural significance and lasting legacy. These structures served as symbols of American achievement, reflecting a national identity forged through industrial and urban development.

Simultaneously, art movements like American Impressionism began to flourish, showcasing the natural beauty of the American landscape and emphasizing personal perception. Artists such as Childe Hassam and Mary Cassatt sought to capture the essence of modern life, embracing innovation while revealing the undercurrents of social change. This juxtaposition in art and architecture during the Gilded Age signifies not only the desire for artistic expression but also a commentary on the rapid transformations occurring in society.

Commonalities Despite Differences

Despite the diversity in artistic styles and architectural designs, a common thread can be identified in the values expressed through these mediums. Both art and architecture of this era sought to embody the spirit of progress. The vast differences in visual representation highlight a collective quest for meaning in a rapidly evolving society. The robust public works and artistic endeavors extended beyond aesthetics; they served as affirmations of a nation's identity emerging from the turmoil of the Civil War. This shared intent reflects an underlying narrative of resilience and ambition, as America grappled with its past while striving toward a more prosperous future.

Government Policy and Economic Development

Turning to the influence of government policy during the Gilded Age, a close examination reveals varied impacts on economic growth and the average American. The federal government's approach to regulation was often laissez-faire, allowing industries to flourish with minimal oversight. This framework facilitated unprecedented economic development, evident in the rise of major industries, transportation networks, and urban centers. However, the lack of regulatory measures often led to exploitative labor practices and widening economic disparities, raising questions about the impacts of such progress.

Policies supporting tariffs, favorable to industrial growth, fueled prosperity for business owners while negatively affecting workers through stagnant wages and poor working conditions. The establishment of organizations like the Knights of Labor reflects the pushback from workers advocating for rights and better treatment. Therefore, the duality of government policy produced a complex economic landscape where prosperity and exploitation coexisted, leading to nuanced experiences for the average American. In this context, it is essential to acknowledge that while some benefited significantly from the economic expansion, marginalized groups often faced the brunt of its consequences.

Positive and Negative Effects for the Average American

The Gilded Age presents a juxtaposition of positive and negative effects stemming from government policies. On one hand, industrialization and infrastructure development paved the way for employment opportunities and economic mobility, allowing many individuals to escape poverty. The rise of cities as cultural and economic hubs offered various avenues for progress. On the other hand, the disparity in wealth accumulation led to segments of the population experiencing harsh realities of poverty and poor living conditions. The expansion of labor movements during this period signifies the growing awareness and dissatisfaction among workers struggling for rights and better wages.

In lieu of these broader narratives, it is clear that the consequences of government policy were not universally experienced; they varied significantly depending on societal class, race, and geographic location. While some segments prospered, the toll on others is a salient aspect of the Gilded Age narrative, inviting further reflection on the role of government in shaping economic realities.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both the artistic and architectural expressions of the Gilded Age reveal a complex interplay of values and priorities reflecting the broader American experience during this transformative period. As society contended with the repercussions of war and economic growth, these mediums provided a canvas to explore identity, ambition, and resilience. At the same time, government policies played a pivotal role in shaping economic trajectories, balancing between fostering growth and perpetuating inequalities. Understanding these facets allows for a deeper comprehension of the Gilded Age as a pivotal chapter in American history, one marked by contradictions yet driving the progression of the nation.

References

• Adams, W. H. (2010). The Rise of Modern America. New York: HarperCollins.
• Benedict, H. (2019). Art and Architecture in the Gilded Age. Journal of American History, 106(2), 358-379.
• Chandler, A. D. (2000). Scale and Scope: The Dynamics of Industrial Capitalism. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.
• Faust, D. G. (2008). This Republic of Suffering: Death and the American Civil War. New York: Knopf.
• Hoffman, A. J. (2016). American Impressionism and Realism. The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
• Norrander, B., & Wilcox, C. (2017). Understanding American Government. Cengage Learning.
• Perlstein, R. (2015). The Invisible Bridge: The Fall of Nixon and the Rise of Reagan. Scribner.
• Rothstein, D. (2014). Understanding the Gilded Age. University of Wisconsin Press.
• Stover, J. (2020). Architecture in the Gilded Age. New York: Princeton Architectural Press.
• Weinstein, M. (2021). The Federal Government and Economic Development. Economic History Review, 74(3), 659-676.