The Evolution of American Sports Culture From 1877-2016

Introduction

Since 1877, sports in the United States has changed from casual pastimes into a key part of American life. This shift reflects broader social, economic, and cultural changes. I argue that each major phase in U.S. history has influenced American sports, revealing broader trends in industrialization, race relations, media, and globalization. Baseball became America’s favorite pastime, the fight over race and representation in sports evolved, and the commercialization and global growth of professional athletics each mark important stages in that change.