the so-called quiet decade of 1900-1910 was anything but quiet. Spurred by the energy and progressive attitude of President Theodore Roosevelt and millions of immigrants flooding into our cities, American life saw tremendous cultural and technological change. A healthy economy gave workers more spending money and leisure time to enjoy hobbies, travel, and pastimes, including a new and revolutionary entertainment-the movies.

Providing an exciting picture of American life at the dawn of the 20th century, this volume covers:
. Innovations in technology, such as the airplane and the automobile
.The advent of modern architecture
.The proliferation of advertising aimed at the new middle class
.Fads, games, sports, and hobbies
.Changes in fashion and cuisine

This book also features the burgeoning of the arts, including the school of realism and naturalism in literature, the first truly American music-jazz-and the new performing art that played to American tastes: vaudeville. A wealth of facts, information, and interesting sidelights not available elsewhere makes this a treasure trove for students and interested readers.