Question

During the 1800s, what generally happened to newspapers in the United States?

A. They became more sensational.
B. They stopped naming themselves after cities.
C. They became less profitable.
D. They appealed more to the social and political elite.

Answer 1

During the 1800s, newspapers in the United States became more sensationalized with the proliferation of yellow journalism and the penny press, but efforts to maintain journalistic integrity like the New-York Tribune were present.

Step-by-step explanation:

During the 1800s, newspapers in the United States became more sensationalized. Advances in technology such as the linotype machine enabled the mass production of newspapers, making them more accessible and affordable to the general public. The rise of penny press papers and magazines that featured more gossip than news was indicative of this trend. As transportation improved, so did the distribution networks for these printed materials, contributing to a growth in readership and variety of content.

The emergence of yellow journalism also characterized newspapers in the 1800s, with papers like Joseph Pulitzer's New York World becoming infamous for sensational and scandalous front-page news designed to entertain and sell copies. Despite this, there were efforts to uphold journalistic integrity, such as the stance taken by Horace Greeley's New-York Tribune. At the turn of the century, the widespread proliferation of newspapers saw many owned by diverse groups, including immigrants and political parties, reflecting a variety of viewpoints. Muckrakers and investigative journalists sought to expose scandals and corruption, contributing to a more informed public discourse.

However, towards the end of the century, politics deeply influenced journalism, with journals often serving as mouthpieces for political positions, and this sometimes reduced political opinions to simple slogans. Newspapers had to navigate the delicate balance between appealing to a broad audience, maintaining professional standards, and ensuring profitability, all of which impacted their development and role in society.

Answer 2

During the 1800s, newspapers in the United States generally:

• A. Became more sensational.
• B. Stopped naming themselves after cities.

Newspapers in the 1800s underwent transformations. Firstly, they became more sensational as they competed for readership. Sensationalism characterized by attention-grabbing headlines and dramatic reporting was employed to captivate audiences and boost circulation.

Secondly, many newspapers moved away from naming themselves after cities. Instead, they adopted more generic and politically oriented names to reflect their editorial stances and appeal to broader readerships. These changes reflected the evolving nature of journalism in the 19th century which was driven by the need to engage a growing and diverse audience.