Final answer:
The rise of mass entertainment in the late 1800s was primarily driven by increased leisure time due to advancements in manufacturing efficiency and economic prosperity, which gave people more time and money to spend on leisure activities like movies and sports.
Step-by-step explanation:
Factors Leading to the Rise of Mass Entertainment in the Late 1800s
The rise of mass entertainment during the late 1800s was most directly a result of increased leisure time. This phenomenon emerged alongside the Industrial Revolution, which not only transformed technology and production but also reshaped society's structure and culture. Increased leisure time was facilitated by advancements in manufacturing efficiency, particularly notable with Henry Ford's assembly-line improvements, leading to fewer work hours and thus more time for leisure activities.
Another critical aspect fueling this surge was the era's economic prosperity. With a rise in disposable income, middle-class families had the means to engage in various leisure activities. These ranged from attending new forms of entertainment, such as silent films and later "talking pictures," to participating in sports and other recreational activities. The burgeoning popularity of movies, sports, and the introduction of commercial radio programs signified a cultural shift towards mass consumption of entertainment.
The expansion of the advertising industry, the availability of consumer credit, and technological innovations like the affordable automobile further supported this cultural transformation. These developments enabled people to travel to entertainment venues with ease and encouraged the consumption of mass-produced entertainment goods, ultimately paving the way for a new American standard of living that included an unprecedented focus on leisure and entertainment.
In conclusion, the option that most directly led to the rise of mass entertainment during the late 1800s is the increased leisure time afforded to workers as a result of various socio-economic changes.