When did the half-step/whole-step modulation in the middle of a song become popular?

Question

Many pop songs in modern times will use a half step or a whole step modulation in the middle of a song in order to increase excitement. I would like to know when this strategy started, and if it is ever present in classical music, because I have never seen it in anywhere but modern pop songs.

Answer 1

This is technically called shock modulation, and its more frequent usage in the second half of the 20th century (and in pop music in general), could be attributed to the desire to increase excitement and change keys, but the lack of music theory knowledge needed to modulate in the same sort of style as common practice composers.