Entertaining the 1800s
Freaks & Sports?
Mass Entertainment in the 1800s
The main audience for an art exhibit or musical and theater performance was the wealthy. The mass entertainment that appealed to a larger audience came around near the end of the 18th century. Technological advances and communication technologies made for more lavishing shows and greater publicity. Once people began to work less due to reduced working hours, people started to pursue leisurely activities.
http://www.classzone.com/net_explorations/U6/U6_article1.cfm
Amusement Parks
adults and children alike would enjoy small games such as bingo and cards
"Freak Shows"
http://priceonomics.com/the-rise-and-fall-of-circus-freakshows/
In 19th century America, gawking at people who were born with deformities was not only socially acceptable -- it was considered family entertainment.
P.T. Barnum made millions off his “freakshows” that brought together of people considered to be curiosities -- bearded ladies, tattooed men, the severely disfigured, and the abnormally short and tall.
Anne Leek, the armless woman
giant foot, Fanny Mills
Jo-Jo, the dog-faced boy
Sports
Basketball was developed in 1890s
American Football had existed but mostly existed in colleges
Soccer sprung up in the mid-1800s in England
Cricket, Tennis, and boxing are more popular sports that were being played in this time period