Here are a few
important SM historical conclusions to consider from R. Bienvenu's studies:
European SM styles
date back to at least the 19th Century.
Three modern SM
fetish styles are:
-
European (from the
late 1920's)
-
American (from the
mid 1930's)
-
Gay Leather (from
around 1950)
The earliest evidence
in Beinvenu's research of American SM in the contexts of subculture and
erotica was found in New York City in the 1930's.
1971 was the turning
point in the development of the currently recognized types of SM
organizations, including clubs, support groups and organized activists. As
these organizations developed and spread, so grew the opposition in voice
and number.
We encourage you to
read R. Beinvenu's entire paper for the meatier parts of his research,
including images and bibliography from a variety of interesting sources.
His paper is readily available on the Web in PDF downloadable format.
