How has American social etiquette evolved over time?

American social etiquette has noticeably evolved over time, reflecting the cultural changes the country has gone through. Social customs, manners, and expectations of individuals in society, have continuously evolved from the colonial era until the present day.

The changes in American social etiquette could be traced back to the colonial period when greetings and attire protocols existed. Manners and civility were fundamental values that most notably found expression during the period of George Washington. During the 19th century, the rise of the middle class saw changes in the way society functioned, with business transactions and social hierarchies taking center stage in everyday life.

During the 20th century, social etiquette changed quite significantly following two world wars that brought people from different backgrounds together. The concept of etiquette extended access to wealth and college education made American society adaptable and open-minded. The women's liberation movement of the 1960s caused gender roles in society to change, and etiquettes that were once beyond individuals became acceptable. In the 21st century, social media has vastly changed social interactions, including communication, dating, and business.