Chapter I. Background

 
1.4. The background on American modernism and its historical 
backdrop: 
"American modernism emerged in the early 20th century as a response to the 
rapidly changing socio-political landscape in the United States. This period was 
marked by dramatic shifts in American society, including the urbanization and 
industrialization that accompanied the growth of cities. 
One key historical backdrop for American modernism was the aftermath of 
World War I. The war had a profound impact on American society, leading to a 
sense of disillusionment and a questioning of traditional values. The atrocities 
witnessed on the battlefield and the loss of a generation of young men contributed 
to a pervasive sense of despair and uncertainty. 
The Roaring Twenties, also known as the Jazz Age, further shaped the context 
for American modernism. This era saw a booming economy and a rise in 
consumerism, as well as newfound freedoms for women and the popularization of 
new forms of entertainment such as jazz music and silent films. However, beneath 
the surface of prosperity, there was a growing divide between the rich and the poor, 
as well as racial tensions and social upheaval. 
The Great Depression, which began with the stock market crash of 1929, 
further deepened the sense of disillusionment and despair. The economic crisis led 

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to widespread poverty, unemployment, and social unrest, highlighting the fragile 
nature of the American Dream. 
In this tumultuous context, American modernist literature emerged as a means 
of exploring the complexities of the modern condition. Writers sought to capture 
the fragmented nature of experience, the loss of traditional values, and the search 
for identity in an increasingly fragmented and alienating world. 
Key figures in American modernism, such as F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ernest 
Hemingway, and T.S. Eliot, grappled with themes of disillusionment, individualism, 
and the loss of faith in traditional institutions. Their works often depicted the 
struggles of individuals, particularly the so-called "Lost Generation" - a term 
coined by Gertrude Stein to describe those who came of age during World War I 
and felt spiritually adrift in the post-war world. 
The historical backdrop of American modernism, therefore, encompasses a 
range of transformative events and societal changes that deeply influenced the 
literature and art of the time. It was a period of upheaval, questioning, and 
experimentation as American writers sought to make sense of the rapidly changing 
world around them." 
The sociopolitical climate of the early 20th century greatly influenced American 
modernist literature, as writers grappled with the challenges and transformations 
occurring in a rapidly changing society. This climate was characterized by 
significant shifts in political ideologies, the struggle for civil rights, and the impact 
of technological advancements. Here are some key aspects of the sociopolitical 
climate and its influence on American modernist literature: 
1. The Roaring Twenties and the Jazz Age: 
The 1920s were a time of great social change and cultural upheaval
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. The 
period was marked by a rising tide of modernity, reflected in the changing roles of 
women, increased urbanization, and the growth of consumer culture. American 
modernist writers engaged with the energy and contradictions of the Jazz Age, 
capturing the glamour, excess, and disillusionment of the era in their works. 
2. Post-WWI Disillusionment: 
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"American Modernism: Cultural Transactions" edited by Kathryne V. Lindberg and Joseph G. 
Kronick (2012) 

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World War I had a profound impact on American society, leading to a sense of 
disillusionment and an existential questioning of traditional values. The carnage 
and chaos of the war shattered notions of progress and permanently altered the 
collective psyche. American modernist writers explored themes of trauma, loss, 
and the breakdown of traditional moral, social, and religious beliefs as they 
reflected on the human condition in the aftermath of war. 
3. The Great Depression and Socioeconomic Inequality: 
The Great Depression, beginning with the stock market crash of 1929, brought 
widespread economic hardship and social unrest. The severe economic downturn 
exposed the inequalities inherent in American society, with poverty, unemployment, 
and homelessness affecting millions of people. American modernist writers 
responded to these challenges by portraying the struggles of individuals and 
communities, highlighting the harsh realities of economic disparity and social 
injustice. 
4. Racial Tensions and the Harlem Renaissance: 
Racial tensions were another prominent aspect of the sociopolitical climate 
during this time. African American writers and artists played a significant role in 
American modernism, particularly during the Harlem Renaissance. They used their 
works to challenge racial stereotypes, celebrate African American culture and 
identity, and confront the systemic racism and discrimination prevalent in 
American society. 
5. Technological Advancements and the Modern Landscape: 
Technological advancements, such as the spread of electricity, the automobile, 
and mass media, transformed the modern landscape and had a profound effect on 
American culture. American modernist writers explored the impact of these 
technologies on human lives, reflecting the sense of dislocation and alienation that 
these advancements could bring. 
American modernist literature, influenced by the sociopolitical climate of the 
time, captured the complexities, contradictions, and anxieties of a rapidly changing 
world. It reflected the shifting values, the disillusionment with traditional 
institutions, the struggle for racial equality, and the desire to make sense of an 
uncertain future. Through their works, American modernist writers confronted the 
challenges of their time, providing insightful and often critical commentary on the 
society in which they lived. 

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