Point Reflections

At the start of American colonialism during the 19th century, there wasn’t much the American’s could contribute back to the world in terms of goods and products. A few raw materials is all the American’s had. However, after the Declaration of Independence in 1776, American’s were free to barter and trade with whomever they pleased. Being that America was centered in the middle of the two major trade oceans, the Atlantic and Pacific, goods were received from the East and West.
Goods from the East brewed a new change in design for the Americans. A completely new style of architecture and textiles was introduced. The eastern countries brought many things with them such as textile patternings, vibrant wallpapers, unique Indian domes, red sandstone, etc. One of the most predominant things contracted from the East was the fabric, silk. Silk is a very delicate fabric that was also durable, and deemed classy. The use of silk had many advantages. Women’s clothing was of higher quality as well as a lighter weight burden on themselves. The textile patternings along with the use of silk allotted for a vast amount of fabrics that were extremely luxurious. They could be used as drapery, bedding, for furniture. Anything could be done with silk for the most part.
Whatever is sterling must also have it’s downfall. Silk is only produced once or twice a year from the silkworm. Therefore, the demand becomes to high for the outcome, resulting in an increased price. Intern making it eventually only available to the wealthy people of this time.
Another huge achievement during the 19th century was the rise of the machine. During the Industrial Revolution, the production of iron and glass came about that changed architecture forever. Constructing a building became faster and the buildings became stronger. Also, buildings were able to stretch far more further than before. The span of a building reached approximately three-hundred feet. This is the age in which sky scrappers were constructed. Not only was the business world improved with architecture but also leisure was advanced. Many new arcades such as the Crystal Palace came about. In addition, a vast amount of operas and train stations arrived.
The need for shopping arcades as well as new textiles peeked just as women’s rights began to change. The more freedom women were given is a direct correlation to the architecture of the 19th century. For instance during the time of the Arts & Crafts era, even though it was predominantly male, the presence of a woman is apparent. The interiors mainly are more aesthetically pleasing with softness all around. Architecture seemed to free itself temporarily from the constraints of the classical world and branch out to revive other styles such as the Gothic. It wasn’t until Henry Hobson Richardson constructed the Trinity Church in Boston, that true american architecture was seen. Until then America was a huge melting pot full of various architectural styles. The image below is of the Trinity Church in Boston.  You can see the various style periods all throughout, dating back into the Egyptians and Greek days.

http://www.bluffton.edu/~sullivanm/bostonrich/bostonrich.html