Final answer:
The historical arrival of newspapers as a mass medium is best represented by Colonial Journalism in the era of the Revolutionary War, reflecting the expansion of newspaper production and infrastructure leading to widespread consumption.
Step-by-step explanation:
The era of journalism that best represents the historical arrival of newspapers as a mass medium is Colonial Journalism. During this era, newspapers played a critical role in disseminating information to the public, particularly during significant events such as the Revolutionary War. Over time, with the advent of technologies like the printing press, information spread more efficiently, which had a profound impact on society and contributed to the rise of the Renaissance and the Age of Enlightenment. Moreover, the progression of journalism through the 19th and 20th centuries, from the advent of the telegraph and the growth of media empires, to the introduction of objective and interpretive reporting, indicates the evolution of newspapers as a trusted source of news and a tool for shaping public opinion and policy-making.
Increased production capabilities, such as those provided by Benjamin Day's New York Sun with the linotype machine, allowed newspapers to reach more people and become more affordable during the 19th century. This, coupled with the expanded infrastructure for distribution, made newspapers a widely consumed medium. Eventually, the focus on professional standards of accuracy and impartiality further solidified newspapers' role as a key component of the mass media landscape. Therefore, the correct answer to the question is B. Colonial Journalism.