Each level of American Dynasties takes place in an important era in United States history, and is built around historical themes crucial to understanding that period.
This prototype is the 1900’s-era level of American Dynasties. Players assume the role of role of Anna Caruso, a weaver struggling to support her family in a dynamic time in American history. Key historical themes covered in this level include:
The Immigrant Experience
The largest wave of immigration to the United States took place between 1880-1920. Due to rapid industrialization, America was the chief destination for immigrants seeking economic opportunity and the chance at a better life. In this, the third wave of U.S. immigration, most of the immigrants were from southern or eastern Europe. Many immigrants initially settled into communities populated with people from their native land, gradually assimilating into American culture.
In American Dynasties, you’ll assume the role of a young Italian immigrant trying to earn a decent living wage working as a weaver in the mill.
The Records of Ellis Island
Labor Conflict
The rise in power of organized labor and conflict between corporations and the working people were features of turn of the century America. Some of the earliest examples of organization by women occurred in the mills of Lowell, Massachusetts where laborers sought to improve working conditions. While most early mill strikes were unsuccessful, labor organizations such as the American Federation of Labor and the Industrial Workers of the World grew in size and power, and the Socialist Party became a force in American politics.
At the heart of American Dynasties is a local labor dispute pitting workers, struggling to make ends meet with poor wages and working conditions, against the management, dealing with increased competition from southern textile mills.
Links to Explore:
The U.S. Department of Labor
IWW (Industrial Workers of the World) Website
The Papers of Samuel Gompers
Rise of Consumer Culture
This era witnessed the growth of industry, the creation of national banking standards, and the urbanization of the American landscape, all of which laid the foundation for our modern capitalist economy. This period of innovation in technology and medicine also saw the birth of modern advertising. Predominantly appealing to women, catchy slogans and marketing campaigns for consumer goods became an ever present facet of American life.
In American Dynasties, players will be challenged with a number of economic quests. They’ll have to earn and spend money to meet the needs and wants of their family.
Links to Explore:
The Eisner American Museum of Advertising & Design
Technology in the 1900’s
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