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Sea bathing began to become popular in Britain during the 18th century. It was primarily enjoyed by the well to do. We do not notice any comparable develoment in America. Cape May, New Jersey appears to have been the first American beach resort (1760s). But for about a century we see little interest in beach resots. We only note American beach resorts developing to any extent in the the late-19th century. We think the interest in see bathing was primarly fueled by European trends. Rising affluence and urbanization seem to have been factors. Of course, as in Europe, the railroads made tips to beah resorts both easy and afordable. But it is at this time that European influences concerning sea bathing, primarily British began to be felt. We see an interest in beaches begin to take hold. Gradually more relaxed attitudes toward bathing developed. The major issues here were issues concerning modesty and the mingling of gender, but other issues included casino gambling, drinking, Sunday observance and public dancing. Americans tended to follow the more restrictive British approach, if not being even more prudish. Social commentators in the early-20th century began to write abut the more permiscuous continental influences. Commercial sea-bathing was at first an innovation in the United States, but one which was embraced with enthusism at the turn-of-the 20th century. Coney Island was surely the best example of this.
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