93 Pages Posted: 19 Jun 2015

Date Written: June 16, 2015

Abstract

This paper is an interpretive history and analysis of why the idea of the first Superman was popular in the United States in the first few decades of the turn of the twentieth century. It was well known at the time the idea of Superman came from the German Philosopher Fredrick Nietzsche. The central question to be addressed is why the first Superman flourished and was a success. There is very little contemporary historiography on this topic. However, a large body of primary sources exist. There is also a large body of secondary sources that were close to the period. By examination of these sources, the first Superman can be explained within its historical context: Modernity, popular culture, and the eugenic movement. These three factors help explain why the first Superman flourished in America – and why the idea could not have succeeded at any other period in United States history.