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The First American Magazine
The first American magazines, "American Magazine" and "General Magazine" appeared during the middle of the 18th century and were published by Andrew Bradford and Benjamin Franklin. Their magazines targeted an intelligent audience with political and economic interest. -
The Penny-Press Era
After the Penny Press was invented, the US saw a surge in Magazines, this time in an attempt to appeal to the general public and generally literate middle class. Magazines published during this time include "Godey's Lady's Book" and "Harper's Monthly." -
The Magazine Boom
There were three primary factors that encouraged this boom:
1. More available money
2. Lowered prices
3. The Postal Act of 1879
These factors assisted in the publication of over 1,800 magazines by 1900 -
Post World Wars
After WWI and WWII, magazines began to specialize. Publishers believed this was the only way to become profitable. This era gave rise to some of the most popular magazines even to this date, including Sports Illustrated, Essence, Golf Digest, and Playboy. -
Contemporary Magazines
After a period of "death" for magazines, a recovering economy and the invention of apps for computers along with TV and the internet helped a struggling industry. -
Magazines Meet the Digital Age
Around the same time that magazines were "reborn," they looked to major tech companies like Apple to produce apps with the ability of subscription purchases. This was a significant win for the magazine industry in it's attempt to keep up with modernization in society.
