Origins of Consumerism
Consumeristic ideas began to take hold of the general population in 17th century Britain. The term 'taste' became prominent in the later 17th century in England. As goods multiplied and were brought to the States, material ownership became a way to distinguish one's standing in society. By the 18th century, the features of British middle-class life were evident in America. Inside the home, the way in which the domestic interior was decorated and their organization made a strong statement about the homeowner.
Thomas, Keith. "To Buy Or Not To Buy." History Today 59.2 (2009): 12-19.
Academic Search Premier. Web. 7 Dec. 2016.
Perry, John Orlando. England. Digital image. Wikipedia. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Jan. 2017. <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_advertising_in_Britain>.
Having more goods meant higher status, and the family portrait shown to the left depicts a wealthy family who would have been proud to flaunt their wealth. They are all wearing lavish clothing and are seen in a fancy living space with pet dogs.
Family Portrait. Digital image. Wikipedia. Wikimedia Commons, n.d. Web. 16 Jan. 2017. <https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Gillis_van_Tilborgh_-_Family_Portrait_(detail)_-_WGA22404.jpg>.
Early American Influence
"While we know from individual workers’ autobiographies that Franklin inspired many to lead more economic lives, statesmen could embrace the text because more industrious workers essentially had become another weapon in international competition."
Ben Franklin, painted by Mason Chamberlin the Elder in 1762. Currently in the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Quote: Hanna, Julia
Quote: Hanna, Julia
Benjamin Franklin's "Way to Wealth"
Adam Smith: Wealth Of Nations
Zenz, Rainer. Wealth of Nations. Digital image. Wikipedia. Wikimedia Commons, 16 Mar. 2010. Web. 16 Jan. 2017. <https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Wealth_of_Nations_title_RZ.jpg>.
Adam Smith's famous text written in 1776, The Wealth of Nations, describes many of his ideas relating to capitalism and this particular system actually entails for the consumer. In his work, he explains that the concept of the "invisible hand" would cause individuals to make decisions in their best interest, and consequently, serve the economic interest of the nation as a whole. By allowing for increased competition by having a capitalist system in place, Smith argued that the "public would be a gainer, the work of all artificers coming in this way much cheaper to the market."
Morris, Lawrence. "Adam Smith: on Breaking Barriers to Trade (1776)." Daily Life through History, ABC-CLIO, 2016, dailylife.abc-clio.com/Search/Display/1438189. Accessed 17 Nov. 2016.
Morris, Lawrence. "Adam Smith: on Breaking Barriers to Trade (1776)." Daily Life through History, ABC-CLIO, 2016, dailylife.abc-clio.com/Search/Display/1438189. Accessed 17 Nov. 2016.
Franklin, Benjamin. Poor Richard's Almanac. Philadelphia, 1732.
Chamberlin, Mason, The Elder. "Benjamin Franklin." Wikipedia Commons, Wikipedia,
commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Chamberlin_-_Benjamin_Franklin_(1762).jpg.
Accessed 12 Jan. 2017.
Hanna, Julia. "Ben Franklin's 'Way to Wealth' Was a Worldwide Introduction to
American Capitalism." Forbes, 31 Aug. 2015. Forbes, www.forbes.com/sites/
hbsworkingknowledge/2015/08/31/
ben-franklins-way-to-wealth-was-a-worldwide-introduction-to-american-capitalism/
#49b737ed3a6b. Accessed 27 Oct. 2016.
Chamberlin, Mason, The Elder. "Benjamin Franklin." Wikipedia Commons, Wikipedia,
commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Chamberlin_-_Benjamin_Franklin_(1762).jpg.
Accessed 12 Jan. 2017.
Hanna, Julia. "Ben Franklin's 'Way to Wealth' Was a Worldwide Introduction to
American Capitalism." Forbes, 31 Aug. 2015. Forbes, www.forbes.com/sites/
hbsworkingknowledge/2015/08/31/
ben-franklins-way-to-wealth-was-a-worldwide-introduction-to-american-capitalism/
#49b737ed3a6b. Accessed 27 Oct. 2016.