https://padlet.com/jorgecollazo2286/5512afrzemr2 An explanation as to the origins and reasoning behind many old ads. en-us 2017-03-06 02:35:48 UTC 2025-10-10 15:23:05 UTC hello@padlet.com jorgecollazo2286 https://padlet.com/jorgecollazo2286/5512afrzemr2/wish/157911181 Since advertisements first appeared in colonial newspapers in the early eighteenth century, the American advertising industry has expanded to promote a proliferation of products and services. Much of its development has been influenced by war, westward migration and technological advancement.

The Civil War spurred the growth of print advertising for many reasons. The conflict created a need for hundreds of thousands of uniforms, underwear and shoes and ready-made food which triggered mass production of clothing and canned goods. In addition, when men went off to war, women went to work in the factories to earn money. With less time to make bread, soap and clothing for their families, women used their earnings to purchase goods from stores and bakeries. This rise in consumerism was accompanied by the invention of wood pulp newsprint, new publishing techniques (curved stereotype press), and innovations in techniques used to reproduce illustrations.

Meanwhile, Americans were moving in droves to the Western frontier. Waves of migrants were inspired by the promises of cheap land and riches, due to the Homestead Act of 1841 and the California Gold Rush in 1848. Following the completion of the first transcontinental railroad in 1869, the journey west became considerably easier. Many entrepreneurs and private companies began heavily advertising real estate, investment and tourism opportunities on the West Coast. In the cities and towns of the Pacific Northwest, businesses rallied around the Alaskan Gold Rush of 1897. Mass-produced food and supplies were marketed toward gold speculators. Railroads revolutionized the transportation of goods providing American consumers with more products and services to choose from at local stores and businesses.

The following pages provide examples of advertisements that were popular in the Pacific Northwest from the late 1800's through the mid 1900's. As you will see, many ads were overtly racist in their message, such as the many portraying the Chinese as evil sub-humans. Others are extremely sexist, pertaining to products that could help a woman further please her husband and keep him happy, and her knowing her place. Other popular ads focused on selling the idea of living in the Pacific Northwest to people living on the east side of the country. It is often displayed as a land of vast mineral wealth where everyone can expect to make a fortune and buy large plots of land. They never seem to mention the fact that there were Native Americans currently living on land that was being sold to white prospectors. ]]> 2017-03-06 02:46:28 UTC https://padlet.com/jorgecollazo2286/5512afrzemr2/wish/157911181