1. Christopher Palmer
3/4/16
American Studies
During the 1800’s you have the enlightenment period, which switched the
public’s views from purely based on religion to facts based on science. During this
time you see the emergence of entertainers. Some glorify it for the showcasing of
“scientific artifacts” like P.T. Barnum. Barnum is considered the first generation of
entertainers, infamous for his use of humbug and the idea of leisure as something
morally uplifting. Following P.T. Barnum there was a second generation of
entertainers; one specifically notable was “Buffalo Bill”, or William F. Cody. Cody
and Barnum employed the use of humbug in their work, and strived to put
themselves on high public pedestals. These men succeeded in their time due to the
growing sociocultural shift from an educationally based society to one more focused
on entertaining the masses using humbug attractions, or shows to draw people in,
while commercializing leisure.
Not all too long ago America was thought of a land of farmers. You still had
this vast, wild, and pure wilderness that gave national pride in its early years. There
is a perfect balance during the early 1800’s that there is not too much nature, and
the urban areas were not too big. But as the industrial revolution gave way, urban
culture exploded. People were excited to be learning more about what surrounds
them. This is where P.T. Barnum steps in; he buys Charles Wilson’s collection of
artifacts and exhibits and buys a building in New York City, and starts the American
Museum. Yes he had real artifacts, but he filled his extra space with things he knew
directly challenged scientific principles and theories. He does this because he is a
businessman that is all about the money and the use of humbug to draw people into
his museum, to ultimately take their money. Barnum was the first to take an act
overseas to show to European Kings and Queens first, to spark common people’s
interest since only the best are seeing it first. This technique works beautifully and
his act General Tom Thumb is a hit. Barnum’s innovation shaped the following
generations to come.
Barnum’s influence is obvious when one examines “Buffalo Bill” or William F.
Cody. A photographer taking pictures of the new receding Western Frontier
discovered Cody. Which was featured in Ned Buntlines dime book describing the
dangers of alcohol. Ned Buntline went across America looking for models for dime
books and though Cody looked like what a man living in the Western Frontier
should look like. While Buntline is off making his money Cody decides to manage
and showcase his image. He does this by traveling across America (like Barnum)
putting on shows to showcase the receding Western Frontier. He redefined theater
while doing this through his want for authenticity (weathered materials) and
realism. Exactly like Barnum Cody and his partner Salsbury took their show over to
England for Queen Victoria’s 50th anniversary of being queen. This only furthers his
success in entertainment while also culturally pushing it forward and making it
more progressive.

2. You have two generations of entertainers. They may seem very much alike,
but Barnum died rich, while Cody wasted his money on drink and women. These
men shaped modern entertainment and were the stepping-stones for entertainers
to come.