[History Comprehensive] Chapter 3: Mass Society and Us (Let’s take a peek at the gateway to modern society!)
Hello everyone! Let’s explore the theme of "Mass Society and Us" together.
When you hear the term "mass society" (or "popularization"), it might sound a bit complicated, but it’s actually a very relatable and interesting topic. It helps us understand the roots (the beginnings) of our current lives—like smartphones, television, shopping, and elections.
It might feel a bit tricky at first, but don't worry. We’ll take it one step at a time, connecting it to our own lives today!
1. What exactly is "Mass Society"?
In the past, politics and culture were things reserved for "the elite" (wealthy people or those with high social status). However, starting around the time of World War I, a phenomenon occurred where "ordinary people (the masses)" began to take center stage in society. This is what we call the transition to a "mass society."
Specifically, these three changes occurred as a set:
- Mass Production and Mass Consumption: Goods are produced in large quantities cheaply, making them affordable for everyone.
- Mass Politics: Ordinary people go to the polls and participate in politics.
- Mass Culture: Everyone enjoys the same radio programs, movies, sports, and more.
【Key Point】
It’s the dawn of an era where "everyone"—not just the "special few"—becomes the protagonist!
2. The 1920s in the United States: The Birth of a Mass Consumption Society
The transition to a mass society progressed fastest in the United States. The 1920s in America, often called the "Roaring Twenties," were a time of great prosperity that dramatically changed people’s lives.
(1) The Ford System and Mass Production
The automobile manufacturer Ford introduced efficient production through an assembly line (conveyor belt). This made the expensive automobile (the Model T Ford) affordable enough for ordinary families to buy.
Analogy: It’s like how dishes that were once only available in high-end restaurants became accessible to everyone thanks to the emergence of family-style diners.
(2) New Home Appliances and Changing Lifestyles
Home electrical appliances like vacuum cleaners, washing machines, and refrigerators became widespread. This reduced the time spent on housework and created "leisure time" (free time) in people’s lives.
【Trivia】
During this time, the installment payment (loan) system also became popular. The idea of "I don't have the money now, but I can pay later!" spread, leading to an explosion in consumption.
3. The Spread of Mass Culture: The Power of Media
Systems that allow people to share the same information—mass media—emerged.
- Radio Broadcasting: Started in the U.S. in 1920. People could listen to news and music in real-time right inside their homes.
- Movies: "Talkies" (movies with sound) arrived, and stars like Charlie Chaplin were born.
- Jazz: Jazz, rooted in African American music, became a trend and inspired new fashions.
【Common Mistake】
Many people mistakenly think, "TVs were around during this era," but the main media at this time were radio and movies! Keep in mind that television didn't become widespread until after World War II.
4. "Mass Society" in Japan and New Lifestyles
The wave of mass society reached Japan in the 1920s (from the end of the Taisho era to the beginning of the Showa era). This is often called "urban culture."
(1) The Rise of "Salarymen" and Career Women
The number of salarymen (white-collar workers) working in city offices increased. We also saw the appearance of career women working as typists or telephone operators. They were called "Modern Girls" (Moga)—they wore Western clothes instead of traditional kimonos and kept their hair short, representing the cutting edge of the era.
(2) Urban Enjoyment
Shopping at department stores, drinking coffee at cafes, and getting around in "En-taxis" (taxis that charged a flat rate of 1 yen)... a lifestyle close to what we see in Tokyo today was taking shape.
【Key Point】
In Japan, too, culture became "everyone's property" with the start of radio broadcasting (1925) and the "Enbon" boom (a trend of publishing books that cost only 1 yen per volume).
5. Participating in Politics: Realizing Universal Suffrage
When society changes, politics changes too. People raised their voices, demanding the right to participate in politics!
- Realization of Universal Suffrage: The Universal Manhood Suffrage Act was passed in Japan in 1925. This gave all men aged 25 and over the right to vote, regardless of how much tax they paid.
*Note: At this point, "women" still did not have the right to vote. Women's suffrage wasn't recognized until after the war in 1945. - Mass Movements: Labor unions, farmers' movements, and women's liberation movements (led by figures like Raicho Hiratsuka) became very active.
【Summary: This will be on the test!】
1925 is a super important year!
① Universal Manhood Suffrage Act (Voting rights for all men)
② Peace Preservation Law (Suppression of movements opposing the government)
Remember that these two were enacted as a set. It’s easy to remember them as "The Carrot (voting rights) and the Stick (crackdowns)"!
6. The Shadow Side: The Great Depression and Social Unrest
It wasn't all good news. In 1929, the stock market crash in the U.S. triggered the Great Depression.
The cycle of mass production and mass consumption stopped, and the world was flooded with the unemployed. In this anxious social climate, people began to seek "strong leaders," which became one of the reasons for the rise of totalitarianism, such as Nazism (Hitler) in Germany.
Final Thoughts: Reviewing This Chapter
The highlights of "Mass Society and Us" in three lines:
- In the 1920s, a prosperous life of mass production and mass consumption began, centered in the U.S.
- Through media like radio and movies, everyone began to enjoy the same culture.
- In Japan, salarymen and "Moga" appeared, and interest in politics grew, leading to universal suffrage.
Our current lives (shopping on Amazon, watching YouTube, going to the polls) are all connected to this "mass society" from 100 years ago. Studying history is a way to check where we stand today.
It might be hard to memorize all the terms at first, but try to imagine the scenes like you're watching a movie or drama—it makes it much more fun! I'm rooting for you!