The Prairie School movement was a significant architectural movement that emerged in the late 19th century in the Midwest region of the United States. It was primarily characterized by the use of natural materials, low-pitched roofs, horizontal lines, open floor plans, and integration with the surrounding landscape.
The movement was significant in American history for several reasons:
1. It developed in response to the changing social and economic conditions in the Midwest at the turn of the century. The movement was a rejection of the ornate, elaborate, and highly decorative styles of the Victorian era, which were seen as out of touch with the simpler and more straightforward values of the Midwest.
2. The Prairie School movement was a significant shift in the way architecture was approached. Architects began to prioritize the integration of buildings into the natural landscape and emphasize the use of natural materials. This approach was a precursor to the modernist movement, which embraced a similar simplicity and functionality in design.
3. The Prairie School movement helped establish a distinct American architectural style that became recognized worldwide. The movement was closely associated with the work of Frank Lloyd Wright, who is widely considered one of the most influential architects of the 20th century.
In summary, the Prairie School movement was significant in American history for its innovative approach to architecture, its rejection of the ornate Victorian style, and its role in establishing an American architectural identity.
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