"Gay 90's": During the last decade of the nineteenth century, American society had a positive, outgoing attitude. Popular music was just coming into its own and people felt that all was well with the world. Progress was being made in science and technology, and a growing middle class was enjoying the fruits of their labours with picnics and parties and dances. As the general feeling of society was one of happiness and gaiety, this decade became known as "The Gay 90's".