1912 | Fast facts

The year is perhaps best known for the sinking of the Titanic ocean liner after it struck an iceberg and in the North Atlantic, but it also was a time of major cultural changes and shifts in many people’s attitudes. Some examples and figures:

The country was enjoying economic growth, having transitioned from a nation of small farms to one of factories. Unemployment was about 4.6 percent.

The Progressive Era had begun and most Americans felt optimistic about the future.

Ragtime was the most popular music, baseball the most popular sport.

Many rural and small-town families went to Chautauquas — traveling shows set up in tents that often featured light entertainment or serious educational speakers.

The U.S. population was about 95,335,000.

Among the new products and concepts were Life Savers candies, prizes in Cracker Jack boxes and self-service grocery stores. Also making their debut were the Girl Scouts of America and Universal Pictures.

Average costs included 7 cents for a gallon of gas, 5 cents for a loaf of bread and 23 cents for a pound of steak. The median price for a new home and the average cost of a new vehicle were $2,750 and $941, respectively.

Source: Youngstown Historical Center