Atlanta, U.S.N., from the Famous Ships series (N50) for Virginia Brights Cigarettes 1895

This is "Atlanta, U.S.N.," a collectible card from the "Famous Ships" series, created by Allen & Ginter for Virginia Brights Cigarettes. These cards emerged in an era marked by the rise of mass media and burgeoning consumer culture. They reflect a growing interest in national pride, industry and technological advancement, but also the way capitalism used these tropes to sell goods. This image of the U.S.N. Atlanta is a representation of American naval power. Yet, the commercial context in which it was produced invites questions about the relationship between nation, military might, and capitalist enterprise. How do these images shape perceptions of national identity and progress? It's important to remember that the vision of progress presented here often obscures the complex realities of industrial labor, social inequality, and the human costs of military expansion. Consider how the circulation of such images contributed to shaping public opinion and cultural values during this period.