WWI And Its Effect On Music

We all know that World War I was one of the deadliest and bloodiest conflicts of all time. As we discussed in class today, it is inevitable for political, social, and economic issues to become intertwined during periods of instability. Before WWI, piano sales and sheet music production rose at a rapid rate. Music in the early 20th century household created a sense of unity and socialization within the entire community. With America's introduction into WWI in April of 1917 came the swift decline of American commercialism. American factories were quickly turned into munition factories, commonly known as munitionettes. During this time, however, music still played a significant role in the lives of Americans. Music was used as a form of propaganda to promote pro-war ideologies. Although sheet music was a luxury among the elite, many people were still able to listen to their favorite songs with the introduction of the radio. Tin Pan Alley songs such as "God Bless America" (written by Irving Berlin) and "Happy Days Are Here Again" (written by Jack Yellen & Milton Ager) encouraged American patriotism during both WWI and the Great Depression.