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History of Consumerism
In 18th century a man named Adam Smith founded the theory of the economic system capitalism. Adam Smith's capitalism system allows individuals to own their own business and make profit. Capitalism allows businesses to compete and grow. The US's economic system runs on capitalism. Along with capitalism comes consumerism. Companies compete with each other by creating and selling products to the population. With new products the population tends to buy, and buy more. Consumerism did not just randomly appear. It slowly grew as countries globalized, companies grew, and as newer products were made.
The invention of products lead to an increase of consumerism. Since the 1800’s during Industrial Revolution, consumerism started to rise. Factories allowed more products to be produced which led to higher consumption. People would, and still do, get excited by new products, so they buy them. Globalization led to an increase of consumerism because it increased factories and production rates. There was a high rise of consumerism after World War 2. A article from PBS stated, “Wartime production had helped pull America's economy out of depression, and from the late 1940s on, young adults saw a remarkable rise in their spending power” (PBS.org). The US had more jobs, new products, and more housing for soldiers coming home from the war. Many Americans wanted “the good life”. American consumerism became popular, and in the 1950s, a good citizen would be someone who spends to contribute to America’s success. . Historian Lizbeth Cohen stated, “The good purchaser devoted to 'more, newer and better' was the good citizen” (PBS.org). The idea of buying goods for happiness spread through the people's minds and it continued through generations. Buying has become an impulse for many.
Consumerism grows as countries grow, as more technology is invented and new products are created. Consumer culture is spread to our minds through ads, TV, magazines, and much more, making us want to buy and buy.
The invention of products lead to an increase of consumerism. Since the 1800’s during Industrial Revolution, consumerism started to rise. Factories allowed more products to be produced which led to higher consumption. People would, and still do, get excited by new products, so they buy them. Globalization led to an increase of consumerism because it increased factories and production rates. There was a high rise of consumerism after World War 2. A article from PBS stated, “Wartime production had helped pull America's economy out of depression, and from the late 1940s on, young adults saw a remarkable rise in their spending power” (PBS.org). The US had more jobs, new products, and more housing for soldiers coming home from the war. Many Americans wanted “the good life”. American consumerism became popular, and in the 1950s, a good citizen would be someone who spends to contribute to America’s success. . Historian Lizbeth Cohen stated, “The good purchaser devoted to 'more, newer and better' was the good citizen” (PBS.org). The idea of buying goods for happiness spread through the people's minds and it continued through generations. Buying has become an impulse for many.
Consumerism grows as countries grow, as more technology is invented and new products are created. Consumer culture is spread to our minds through ads, TV, magazines, and much more, making us want to buy and buy.
Cited Sources:
"The Rise of American Consumerism." PBS. PBS, n.d. Web. 16 Mar. 20