the history of materialism
Since the Industrial Revolution the world has been consuming at a higher rate then ever. The Revolution allowed products to be available in more quantities. Because of their low coast products were available to pretty much everyone. This had led to the era of Mass Consumption. It was soon expected that people would have the newest stuff, because they thought the new item was better than the old. This eventually led to a growth in consumption and then to materialism.
Timeline:
1800s- Industrial Revolution led to consumerism.
1919- People started using new credit plans to buy new things.
1925- A yearly automobile model change by General Motors began making people want to buy the latest stuff.
1929-1945- During WWII advertisers promised products to be available after the war . Making people eager to buy after the war was over.
1950s- Credit cards were first promoted.
1970s- Congress regulated the Credit card boom. Banning the mailing of cards to people who did not request one.
21st century- Businesses realized that wealthy consumers are the most attractive targets of marketing. Leading to people wanting more money to buy more stuff.
Timeline:
1800s- Industrial Revolution led to consumerism.
1919- People started using new credit plans to buy new things.
1925- A yearly automobile model change by General Motors began making people want to buy the latest stuff.
1929-1945- During WWII advertisers promised products to be available after the war . Making people eager to buy after the war was over.
1950s- Credit cards were first promoted.
1970s- Congress regulated the Credit card boom. Banning the mailing of cards to people who did not request one.
21st century- Businesses realized that wealthy consumers are the most attractive targets of marketing. Leading to people wanting more money to buy more stuff.