In the mini-series "Houdini" it appears that spiritualism was all the rage during the early twentieth century. Can someone please explain why and where this came from?

by TLit

How did the West become so enthralled with mediums, psychics, and spiritualists during the early twentieth century?

thegoodherb

I think Mary Lincoln had a big part to play, even before Abe was shot she had mediums coming into the Whitehouse because of her son who died.