Buttons with pins were first patented in 1896 and their initial popularity was spurred by the McKinley-Bryan presidential campaign as well as by manufacturers eager to advertise their products in a new and creative manner. During WWI, lithographed buttons were used to promote war rationing campaigns.
 During the first part of the century, buttons became a popular way to promote products, politicians, celebrities, businesses, events, landmarks, slogans, cartoons, musicians and almost everything else. Buttons were loved by the public and businesses alike because they made exciting, unique fashion accessories and weren't as heavy or uncomfortable as wearing a sandwich board. It was also a time when people weren't bombarded by advertising and wearing a button was a small way for people to celebrate the vitality of the new American industrial age.
Button popularity surged again in the 1960's. They became a fashionable way for people (hippies included) to champion their favorite bands, artists, and political causes. Then in the late 1970's Punk bands adopted the one-inch button style. |
