Final answer:
Advertising was essential for product growth and awareness during the Industrial Revolution, using print media and posters as the main channels. It helped businesses compete in a rapidly expanding market and fostered the modern consumerist society.
Step-by-step explanation:
During the Industrial Revolution of the late 19th century, advertising played a crucial role in the growth and awareness of products. The advent of mass production led to a variety of goods flooding the market, necessitating strategies for businesses to stand out amongst the competition. Advertising became a key method to differentiate products and entice customers, with American businesses spending nearly $100 million on advertising by 1900. Advertisements in newspapers and magazines evolved from simple classified ads to full-page features, and professional advertising agencies emerged, specializing in creating consumer demand.
The use of print media and posters was the primary means of advertising during this era. Illustrated ads in periodicals and the distribution of trading cards were among the common methods employed to capture consumer attention. The emphasis on advertising new and improved products and the ability to buy items on credit were particularly influential tactics that drove consumerism. The proliferation of available products and the innovation in advertising methods set a precedent for how products would continue to be marketed in the future.