Coffee became the staple morning beverage in America during the 19th century.
Before this period, Americans did not consume much coffee; tea was the more common drink. The transition to coffee becoming widely popular and a staple beverage occurred over the course of the 1800s. This shift in American drinking habits is closely tied to the growth of South American coffee export markets.
The Rise of Coffee in the 19th Century
Historically, tea held prominence in American households, a tradition brought from Britain. However, significant events and changing tastes led to coffee's ascendancy.
Key Factors in Coffee's Popularity Shift:
- The Revolutionary War: Boycotts of British goods, including tea, encouraged Americans to seek alternatives. Coffee emerged as a patriotic choice.
- Increased Availability: As mentioned in the reference, the growth of South American export markets made coffee more accessible and potentially more affordable.
- Cultural Shift: Over time, coffee solidified its place as the preferred morning drink, becoming an integral part of American culture.
While the seeds of coffee drinking were sown earlier, it was definitively during the 19th century that it transformed from a less common beverage to the staple it is recognized as today, replacing tea in its dominant position.
