Iconic Culture: Impactful American Eras

Every generation lives through a distinct era in pop culture.

Some have a stronger impact than others, lingering in the popular consciousness in a variety of forms. From fashion to filmmaking to music, these cultural textures can be felt far into the future. Some might return for a short period of time before fading back into the periphery. 

But which have stood the test of time? Let’s take a closer look at some of the most impactful eras in pop culture in the United States, starting with the oldest and moving toward the most modern.

Wild West

The Wild West only lasted for around thirty to forty years, marking the end of the 1800s and the start of a new century. Despite its short timeframe, there are dozens of ways that the Wild West still lives on. From cowboy fashion to country music, its effects can be felt in many highly visible ways—well over a century after the Wild West era ended. 

One of the more unique forms of Wild West culture lives on via poker. Poker, which evolved directly in the Wild West era, is played around the world by some 100 million people. The vast majority of players learn the ropes by competing online—and many also learn about poker hands and other basics with the help of virtual guides. 

And some of the world’s leading poker players do their thing in Las Vegas—not far from the stomping grounds of the original Wild West days.

Gilded Age

Who would have thought that the US’s Gilded Age would remain so visible? This time period was marked by great economic growth and industrialization—along with the prohibition era and a rise in wealth inequality. Regardless of the positives and negatives, many Americans still enjoy many of the design and fashion trends of the time. 

Art Deco movements helped pave the way for mid-century modern design—a highly sought-after form of architecture throughout the US. Other elements of the Gilded Age’s designs remain popular, from lush velvet pieces to The Great Gatsby to a focus on life’s more opulent endeavors.

1950s Americana

During the 1950s, the US went into overdrive with its attempts to define its identity. And if you’re a fan of Lana del Rey, then you’re probably already well-acquainted with the type of Americana aesthetic that remains from this era. From apple pie to Elvis, from drive-ins to baseball games, this was one of the most impactful periods in American culture.

Punk

Punk began as a UK movement—one that extended far beyond the bounds of rock ’n’ roll subgenres. It was an attitude, a way of approaching life’s lack of opportunity, and a community of misfits. In places like Detroit, New York City, and Los Angeles, punk music helped frame this new cultural shift—a pessimistic and hardcore one.

In fact, much of the punk movement was formed in direct reaction to the rise of the 50s lifestyle, which emphasized falling in order. The punk era laid the foundation for subsequent alternative movements in the realm of music and beyond, providing an escape from the ‘rat race’.

Early 00s

The early 2000s ushered in a brand-new era of culture—one that evolved in direct tandem with technology. The first way in which the early 2000s transformed US culture was via reality television. Thanks to shows like The Osbournes and Survivor, the idea that anyone could become famous helped proliferate fashion, makeup, and other social trends. 

The idea of becoming instantly famous was spread by the rise of social media. It led to a world built on entertainment and a digital presence, one in which style and aesthetics must be transferred into a virtual realm. This cultural era is only now coming into focus as the 2000s are almost two decades in the past—meaning its full impact is yet to be known. However, it’s regarded as a revolutionary period for fashion, gaming, music, and stardom in general.

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