GOLDEN AGE
A Golden Age is a name given to a period in time when there were great advances in technology. This name could also be given to a time period of (usually unusual) peace and plenty, such as a prosperous era following the end of political turmoil, or a war. There has been more than one instance in history of such an age. The Greeks proclaim a golden age, as do the Romans, the English, and any other powerful and well-developed civilization, including the United States. I would even venture to say that "Golden Ages" have been enjoyed by less-developed and not so powerful civilizations. The term would usually be given after the fact, people looking back and saying "Oh what a nice time that was!". And right they were.
For example, the Golden Age in Rome followed many years of war with the Carthaginians. The leader at the time was Augustus Caesar. Under his rule, the Roman Empire thrived. Art became more glorious than before, prosperity abounded, and the 200 years following Augustus' rule became known as the Pax Romana, an age of peace. There was no major war. Augustus brags to be the only ruler during whose reign the doors to the temple Janus were closed 3 times, more than they ever had been before his rule. Looking at the flourishing art, the long periods of peace, and the economic prosperity during Augustus' reign certainly constitutes the time surrounding him as a Golden Age.
There have been times in our nation's history that could be called a Golden Age. Mark Twain jokingly dubbed the latter half of the 19th century the Golden Age because everyone was so obsessed with riches, when really there was so much more to be worried about. I believe that the 20s could be called a Golden Age. America was not at war with anyone, although there was not absolute peace. There was a Red Scare, when Americans were afraid of communism infiltrating their government, but aside from that there was relative political relaxation, and definitely a carefree attitude in the American community. People partied, people spent money, people had leisure time! With the invention of the automobile, and with Henry Ford's assembly line making them affordable for nearly everyone, people could go on vacation. The art deco movement was making its way into history, and art nouveau was still pretty popular. Considering the innovations in art, the freedom of the economy, and the relative political peace, the 1920s could be called a Golden Age of peace and prosperity.
i really enjoyed reading your post. I really like how you described and explain what a golden age is and how you connected the idea to the 20s. :)
ReplyDeleteI would like to point out that Mark Twain called the latter half of the 19th century the "Gilded Age" (not the Golden Age) in his 1873 novel by the same name. To gild is to paint over something of less valuable with gold so it looks more valuable. In the latter half of the 19th century, The top 10% of Americans were wealthy so people ignored the poverty and social problems of the time. I do not think there was ever an age in America that I would term to be a Golden Age. It is really hard nowadays with the world being so small.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your blog! You explain the concept of Golden Age really good! I do believe America has had its Golden Age era.
ReplyDeleteI have never heard the 20s referred to as a Golden Age before. But that is a very interesting idea. Also, I like that you point out that the peace Augustus brought lasted 200 years.
ReplyDeleteI like how you mention technology as an important fact and element that helps to the development of a Golden Age. That is also one of the reasons why I believe that we have some aspects of a golden age now in this country especially with the development of new technology all the time.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you when you say that a Golden Age comes after a war. It is usually after a war that a country has a period of peace and progress. This period may be short or long, and after it the 'cycle' repeats.
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