Final answer:
At the turn of the 19th to 20th century in Flatland, society witnessed considerable changes due to industrialization, urbanization, and cultural shifts from traditional rural values to modern urban life. This era also saw an emergent literary culture that encapsulated these transformations.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Flatland, various societal changes typically occurred at the turn of the century. The conclusion of the 1800s marked the peak of the Industrial Revolution, which drastically altered societal norms and the economic landscape. At the end of the 19th century and entering the 20th century, America experienced tremendous growth in urban population and a decline in rural, farm-based living. This shift was fueled by industrialization and increased immigration, with new advancements in technology and power sources.
By 1900, America had undergone a significant transformation from primarily rural to notably urban. The surge in industrial workers caused cities to expand, stretching municipal services thin as they coped with the population boom driven by both native-born citizens and immigrants. These changes also led to an increasing divide between wealthy corporate power and the working class, revealing disparities in wealth distribution.
Social movements, activism, the rise of popular culture in urban saloons and theaters, and a shift toward modernist versus traditionalist values characterized the time. It was an era where the moral and cultural tug-of-war between small town values and the allure of big city life shaped the fabric of American identity. The literature of the period, marked by authors like Mark Twain and emerging female voices, reflected these profound societal shifts.