Thesis

The macaroni revolution was an important historical event because it irreparably changed men's fashion. The macaroni revolution began when wealthy young aristocrats flaunted their wealth; enraging the common folk of whom reacted by revolting against the 'Macaroni'. Over time standards reformed bringing about the menswear trends we see to this day.

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About the Macaroni

1. Influence

The Macaroni represented the last of extravagant dressing in the 18th century. This began the transition to modern menswear. This fashion statement was also a form of social classes, the better dressed, the richer they were. The Macaroni also influenced the song, "Yankee Doodle."

2. Context

There was a revolution against the Macaroni as a reaction to their power hungry behavior. Eventually the people reformed to a new sub standard for men's fashion due to the rising middle class. This is an example of how people used wealth to manipulate power and gain popularity before inviting ridicule upon themselves. In conclusion no one can buy power for long and staying with trends is never truly fulfilling. 

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"18th century upper class men typically wore perukes (curled and powdered wigs).  The Macaronis were famous – and later infamous – for their ‘high hair.’  The front part of the wig was brushed up vertically, jutting up to nine inches above their head, with side ringlets of curls and a thick club of hair hanging down the back."-Lost in history, 1.

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Timeline

3. Macaroni fashion

<- 3."The fashion trends popularized by the macaroni were iconic but as Max (Last name unknown) said "The macaroni were not the first to do this. Powerful men have looked fancy for millennia, and many even wore makeup. In ancient civilizations, like China and Korea, men wore rice powder on their faces and painted their nails, in part to show off power and wealth. And for the Koreans, because they believed a good appearance reflected a beautiful soul." 3.

4. Cultural Impact

 

Past: The way the macaroni dressed influenced an event known as the macaroni revolution. Their fancy getups made the lower classes jealous, leading to a revolt against the rich. Though dainty they were, the swords the macaroni wore were for naught, as the middle and lower class won. The rebellion ended with the macaroni fashion declared to be too French to be an English style. By the 1790s, the fashionable men began to lose their sense of fashion when they ditched their vibrant velvets and silks. Finally, in 1795, a tax was brought upon wig powder, taking the wigs out of style.                                                                                                                                                                          4. ->

“There is indeed a kind of animal, neither male, nor female, a thing of neuter gender, lately started up among us. It is called a Macaroni. It talks without meaning, it smiles without pleasure, it eats without appetite, it rides without exercise, it wenches without passion.”-Oxford Magazine, 4.

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Present: The macaroni have affected the way our current population dresses worldwide. They brought upon our common dress, such as tailored suits and some of our wigs. The revolution against the macaroni also prevented the usage of bright colors, silks, and lace; trends in men's fashion that persist to this day. Fashion was not the only item impacted by the macaroni. In fact, the popular song Yankee Doodle is completely influenced by the macaroni. The line "Stuck a feather in his cap and called it macaroni," directly references the fashion style of the 1770s rich men.

5. Conclusion

<- 5. In conclusion the macaroni revolution was an important historical event, because the lower classes revolted against the macaroni as a reaction to their lavish lifestyles and general exuberance, which eventually allowed men's fashion to reshape and reform to what we now know. The macaroni wore tall wigs corsets and brightly colored ruffled clothes covered in lace. Before being forced to wear navy, grey, or blue suits, and short wigs if at all.                                                                                                                             5. ->