Our love of thrills and entertainment is seen in the success of businesses that range from small fairs to huge amusement parks. The combination of sugary treats, lively performances and roller coasters results in memories that last a lifetime. But where did our love for these attractions come from?
The ancestors of theme parks began in Europe just before the Renaissance era, which took place from 1300 to 1600. Festivals were typically centered around religious holidays and harvests. Simple rides began and Medieval games and competitions were held. Crowds gathered to watch knights display their horsemanship through jousting.
By the mid-1700s, pleasure gardens began in major cities in Europe to entertain the growing middle class. With extra cash to spend and leisure time, citizens were ready to be entertained. News of the fun of pleasure gardens traveled across the ocean to America. Rides were added to the mix, including the first carousel on the continent.
In the late 1800s, pleasure gardens turned into entertainment areas that more closely look like the modern theme parks we know and love today. The amusement park industry grew throughout the early 1900s. By 1920, there were hundreds of parks across the country. The rise in industrialization and more efficient transportation allowed workers to work for less time, giving them more time to enjoy these parks.
Comprehension
1) What were the festivals centered around during the Renaissance era?
2) What was the purpose of pleasure gardens?
3) What allowed workers to have more time to enjoy amusement parks in the early 1900s?
Vocabulary
Match the words to the definition:
1) performances
2) ancestors
3) crowds
4) gathered
5) leisure
6) allowed
a) to meet together
b) a lot of people in one place
c) the people in your family who lived a long time ago
d) singing, dancing, or acting to entertain others
e) free time, pleasure
f) to permit, to make possible
Grammar Highlights
Using the passive voice when we don’t know or care who is doing the action:
“Our love of thrills and entertainment is seen in the success of businesses…”
Use “just” to mean “immediately”:
“The ancestors of theme parks began in Europe just before the Renaissance era…”
*This article was adapted from another article to make it more suitable for English learners. You can read the original article here.