in the 1800's and very early 1900's America primarily kept itself to itself. It wasn't until World War I in 1914 that the country was at a point where it could even consider participating in foreign affairs. In 1917 the United States entered the war after over two years of President Wilson's attempts to keep the country neutral.
The U. S, A. was allied with Britain, and Germany knowing that an attack on Britain would almost certainly provoke the U.S., offered an alliance with Mexico. Germany began to sink American ships and Wilson implored congress for a "War to end all wars," in April congress voted to declare war against the central powers (mainly Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy.) There was also the issue of the draft, any man was subject to it, making the idea of war very real. Music, reflecting the state of the world, was much more chaotic than it had ever been before. It took on a darker tone, and could occasionally be frightening. Now, the U.S. has no qualms about jumping into a fight. Since world War I, the U.S. has been involved in the Russian revolution, World War II, the Cold War, the Korean War, the Lebanon Crisis, the Dominican Intervention, the Vietnam War, the struggle in Grenada, Beirut, the airstrikes in Libya, the invasion in Libya, the Gulf War, as well as the War on Terrorism in Afghanistan, Iraq, and the Philippines, and the Libyan Intervention. Especially in modern times, a lot of popular music focuses on the state of the country and current wars. Popular artists like the Black Eyed Peas, John Mayer, and Jack Johnson feature war as one of the recurring themes in their music. A lot of times, songs will mention mention these issues so subtly that it's hardly noticeable. America was once Isolationist, however times have changed and now we are one of the world's largest powers. Despite the changing times, the fact remains that music will reflect the mood of society. Social issues is one of the most common themes in popular music. |
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