Timeline

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This is the timeline that we created in class today for the poets we will discuss this semester. Notice how the bulk of these poets lived between circa 1870 and 1970. In other words, most of the poets we will be discussing for this course on 19th & 20th Century American Poetry lived within the same one hundred year period.

What was special about this period, 1870-1970? What were the most important social, cultural, historical, and political events during this time?

Compare our timeline with this timeline of American history. When did the major wars take place? Also look at the cultural, scientific, and world events that occurred at the same time that "our" poets lived and wrote their poetry. How do you think these events may have influenced the writing of our poets?

You can also visit this portal site on American history.