Minstrel shows were a form of entertainment popular in the United States during the 19th and early 20th centuries. They featured white performers in blackface, who would sing, dance, and perform comedic skits that often portrayed stereotypes of African Americans. These shows were characterized by their use of music, humor, and exaggerated caricatures. Although minstrel shows were widely accepted at the time, they perpetuated harmful racial stereotypes and contributed to the marginalization of African Americans. The decline of minstrel shows began in the early 20th century, as societal attitudes towards race and representation evolved, leading to a greater awareness of the negative impact of such performances.