This is coolbert: During the American Civil War, it was common for soldiers to sport full, bushy beards. And long hair was also worn by soldiers on both side. This was the fashion of the time. This did not seem to be in conflict with what was considered appropriate by the military of the time.

After the Prussian victory of France in 1870, things began to change. The symbol of the Prussian army was short, cropped hair, no beards, although moustaches were still worn. Militaries throughout the world began to emulate the Prussians, as their organizational ability, efficiency, and strength of arms was admired by military men throughout the world. Beards and long hair were not acceptable anymore for the military man. Executives in the business world, at the start of the gilded age, also saw this as being something to emulate. The efficiency of the Prussians was greatly admired, as again was the organizational ability the Prussians seemed to possess. Executives liked to see themselves as "officers" of the civilian world! The "captains of industry" felt the Prussian model was to be preferred for the industrial age as a model for society as a whole. After the business executive adopted this tonsorial manner, it was only a matter of time before this became the fashion among the general public, a fashion that has persisted to this day. Short hair, no beards. With one exception. The 1960's, when beards and long hair were seen as a protest against the military and everything that even remotely smacked of the military.

coolbert.