Which musical form is closely associated with the entertainment of early 20th-century America?

The musical form that is closely associated with the entertainment of early 20th-century America is vaudeville. Vaudeville was a theatrical variety show that included a mix of specialty acts such as musicians, dancers, comedians, magicians, and other performers. It gained immense popularity during the late 19th century and into the early 20th century, thriving in urban theaters across the U.S.

Vaudeville was particularly significant in shaping the landscape of American entertainment by providing a platform that showcased various forms of popular culture, making it accessible to a wide audience. It also played a crucial role in the development of future performance styles and genres, influencing Broadway musicals and the growth of film musicals.

Other choices, while relevant in their contexts, do not capture the essence of early 20th-century entertainment in America in the same way. Broadway musicals, for instance, became more prominent slightly later and were influenced by vaudeville. Opera has a much older tradition and is often seen as high art rather than the lighter entertainment characteristic of vaudeville. Rock and roll emerged in the mid-20th century and represents a different era defined by its cultural revolution. Thus, vaudeville stands out as the definitive form of entertainment that shaped the