1. Historical background: The growth of mass-circulation periodicals created a rich market place for popular writers o Wi stands as a great dividing line between the 19th century and contemporary America o a sense of the failure of political leaders and a belief in the futility of hope dominated 2021/2/212021/2/21 2 1. Historical background: ⚫ The growth of mass-circulation periodicals created a rich market place for popular writers. ⚫ WWI stands as a great dividing line between the 19th century and contemporary America. ⚫ A sense of the failure of political leaders and a belief in the futility of hope dominated