The Gilded Age of Animal Advocacy: A Transformative Era for America’s Moral Compass
From The Observatory
At the end of the 19th century, America experienced a major shift in how people treated and thought about animals. This change began in 1866 with the founding of the first animal welfare society. Over the next 30 years, activists like George Thorndike Angell, Henry Bergh, and Caroline Earle White worked hard to stop cruelty toward animals. Their efforts helped shape modern attitudes: many Americans today cherish pets, admire wildlife, and often overlook the harsh treatment of animals raised for food.
During this time, America was also going through rapid changes. The country was growing, cities were expanding, and new industries were emerging. Veterinary medicine started to develop with help from figures like Frenchman Alexandre Liautard. Early conservation efforts also took root as people like George Bird Grinnell and Harriet Hemenway noticed that some wild animal species, such as the passenger pigeon, were in danger of disappearing forever.
The rise of scientific medicine introduced the controversial practice of vivisection, or animal testing, which sparked fierce debates. While some doctors argued that these tests were needed to help humans, many activists protested against the suffering of animals. Meanwhile, entertainers like P.T. Barnum began to captivate audiences by showcasing exotic animals in grand shows.
George Angell became a leading figure by connecting animal welfare to other social issues like war, racism, and economic injustice. He believed that a kinder world depended on educating future generations and using powerful stories to inspire change. Despite facing strong criticism in the press, Angell’s passionate writings and actions helped lay the groundwork for today’s ongoing movement for animal rights and moral responsibility.
These early efforts not only changed how animals were treated but also influenced broader ideas about justice. The story of this movement reminds us that our views can evolve through education, compassion, and activism.
Read the full article “The Gilded Age of Animal Advocacy: A Transformative Era for America’s Moral Compass” by Bill Wasik
🔭 This summary was human-edited with AI-assist.
