Modernism , sprung from Europe and America during the early 20th century , was a literary movement that embraced the many changes that occured during the time and did so through describing rich new radical lifestyles that seemed to enthrall the American public. Before the time of modernism the world was at a very rough and tumultuous point as wars were being waged and fought. An article states , " many historians have characterized the period between the two world wars as the United States' traumatic "coming of age," despite the fact that U.S. direct involvement was relatively brief (1917-1918) and its casualties many fewer than those of its European allies and foes."( "Modernism and Experimentation: 1914-1945"). The war left a bad taste in the mouth of many of America's youth and soldiers alike. This disdain for the war and politics acted as a catalyst for the counter-culture of the 20's of which modernism sprang from, "Modernism is often marked by a strong and intentional break with tradition. This break includes a strong reaction against established religious, political, and social views."(Lorcher, Para. 1) The rapid growth of America coupled with the atrocities of World War 1 and the feelings it spawned are truly what shaped Modernism. "In broad terms, the period was marked by sudden and unexpected breaks with traditional ways of viewing and interacting with the world. Experimentation and individualism became virtues, where in the past they were often heartily discouraged."("Modernism) The new ideology of going against the grain is what really set Modernism apart from the rest of the literary movements , never before were people so willing to try new things and experiment with new ideas. Many very famous American authors were major figures in the Modernism movement such as Ernest Hemingway and Sinclair Lewis.
The rapid growth of America coupled with the atrocities of World War 1 and the feelings it spawned are truly what shaped Modernism. "In broad terms, the period was marked by sudden and unexpected breaks with traditional ways of viewing and interacting with the world. Experimentation and individualism became virtues, where in the past they were often heartily discouraged."("Modernism) The new ideology of going against the grain is what really set Modernism apart from the rest of the literary movements , never before were people so willing to try new things and experiment with new ideas. Many very famous American authors were major figures in the Modernism movement such as Ernest Hemingway and Sinclair Lewis.