The late 1800s and early 1900s were important times for comic books. They changed a lot because of major world events and changes in society. Here are some key moments:

1. World War I (1914-1918): This war brought themes of bravery, sacrifice, and pride in one’s country into comic book stories. Superheroes started to appear soon after, like Superman in the 1930s. He represented strength and fairness, which were important during the war.

   • The U.S. military spent around $1.5 billion on propaganda, meaning people were really interested in themes about being patriotic and heroic.

2. The Great Depression (1929-1939): This tough time for the economy made people look for ways to escape their problems. Comics became a cheap source of fun, usually costing about 10 cents.

   • Many new characters appeared who were just regular people fighting against unfairness or tough situations. For example, Batman showed up in 1939 and tackled problems like crime and poverty, which connected with readers facing the same issues.

3. Cultural Changes: The growth of mass media, like radio and films, changed how people enjoyed stories. This pushed comics to become more creative in how they told stories and developed characters.

   • In the 1930s, comic strips began to turn into books, creating longer stories that later influenced graphic novels.

4. The Golden Age of Comic Books (1930s-1950s): Characters like Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman represented the new values of society, giving people hope and a sense of justice during hard times.

   • By 1941, over 80 million comic books were sold each year in the U.S., showing that many people were engaged with this form of entertainment.

5. World War II (1939-1945): Comics were used to boost people's spirits and often included messages encouraging enlistment and national unity.

   • For instance, Captain America was created in 1941 to symbolize American ideals and the fight against evil, reflecting the ideas that were important during the war.

In summary, the late 1800s and early 1900s were key in shaping comic books. They reflected people’s worries, new technologies, and the need to escape during tough times. These influences not only changed early comic book stories but also laid down themes that still connect with us in today's graphic storytelling. This period marked comic books as a vital part of culture, interpreting and responding to changes in society and global events.