Food

American diets changed slowly over the period. General prosperity and the use of railroads to transport fresh foods allowed a more varied diet for most Americans. During this period oatmeal was introduced as a breakfast food. American tended to eat a heavy breakfast often including meat, as well a large lunch, which was often the main meal of the day. As more and more Americans worked in factories that became less practical, and the main meal of the day for those workers became dinners. Wine was seldom served except for ceremonial purposes. Hard liquor was widely consumed, during this period Americans began to consume beer in ever-larger quantities.