Thesis

The transformative period of the 1890s led to an insecure national identity and lack of unity in the United States. Yellow journalism initially emerged in 1898 in the context of the U.S. decision to intervene in the Spanish-American War. It marked a turning point in how pressing issues and major decisions were perceived by the public. Trending topics were sensationalized, fostering biased viewpoints that contrasted the fact-driven political news that previously characterized the media. It was denounced almost immediately in the early 20th century, though its techniques reemerged in various new forms of journalism throughout the century from print to digital media. These techniques magnify bias in coverage today from domestic politics to global current events such as the COVID-19 pandemic and international conflicts.