Final answer:
It is true that advertising made consumers aware of product differences and prices in the marketing economy, particularly during the Industrial Age when variety and competition increased.
Step-by-step explanation:
True, advertising indeed first made consumers aware of differences in products and prices in the marketing economy. Over time, especially as the United States moved into the Industrial Age, the diversity of available goods greatly increased. As manufacturers produced various iterations of goods, from toothpaste to clothing, advertising became the means through which producers highlighted the uniqueness of their products to consumers.
With the market revolution and the establishment of a more consumer-driven society, companies realized the necessity and power of advertising. It played a crucial role in differentiating items in a rapidly crowding marketplace. Early forms of mass marketing facilitated the spread of advertisements that reached a broad audience, far beyond local markets, creating national demand and aspiration for a plethora of consumer goods.
Therefore, through newspapers, professional advertising agencies, and a myriad of other mediums, advertising was instrumental in creating brand distinctions and informing customers of product choices and pricing. This in turn led to increased competition and the consumer culture we recognize today.