Learning Exercise
The Circus in late 19th Century American History
The circus was once a cultural icon of the United States providing an entertainment for both large and small communities. This assignment will focus on how the circus fit into the 19th century culture of the United States and explain its importance to the American people.
- Material:
- The Circus in America: 1793 - 1940
- Date last modified:
- June 22, 2008
- Created by:
- William Paquette
- License:
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The Circus in America: 1793-1940 surveys the history of the American circus over a 150-year period. It promotes serious... see more
Exercise
Instructions: Read the following sections: Introduction, Circuses: P.T. Barnum, Ringley Brothers, Adam Forepough; Circus Posters, People, Animals, Acts, Music, Communication, Transportation, Venues, and Sounds of the Circus. Write a 5-7 page paper explaining the appeal of the circus to the American People in the 19th century and explain what the appeal of the circus tells us about the emerging American character before World War I.
Disciplines
- Humanities / History / Area Studies / Americas / United States / 1865-1900
- Humanities / History / Topical / Popular Culture