Summary: the World at the Beginning of the 20th Century (Stage 6 Modern History)
Year 11 Modern History 2013
Summary: The World at the Beginning of the 20th Century
Overview
The world in 1900 was dominated by European powers, the industrial revolution had over the proceeding century given Europeans (specifically Western European nations such as France and Great Britain) a technological advantage over the rest of the world which these nations used to develop huge global empires under a system known as Imperialism. The late 19th and early 20th saw dramatic changes in many aspects of European life.
The Nature of European Society and the Effects of Industrialization
-Key features of this era included: * The unequal distribution of wealth and power * Imperialism and economic rivalries * Nationalism and cultural identity * The decline of dynastic authority * The class system and demands for change * Slavery and worker exploitation * Emerging ideologies and their challenge to traditional structures * Diplomacy, aggression and war as instruments of foreign policy
Rich and Poor: * An individual’s ‘membership’ of the upper, middle, or lower class reflected their own economic role in society & their opportunities * Upper classes * Tended to have status derived from family background and wealth * Generally had ownership of extensive areas of land * Dominated European political life * Enjoyed high status, prestige and influence that did not necessarily reflect talent or ability * Access to luxuries and education * Middle classes * Involved in the development and control of industries + commercial ventures * Also those in professions such as law and medicine * Wealth + influence in society resulted from individual efforts more than family connections * Had access to similar education opportunities * Sought the same social and political influence as the upper class * Mimicked the lifestyles of the upper class * Lower classes * Also known as the
Summary: The World at the Beginning of the 20th Century
Overview
The world in 1900 was dominated by European powers, the industrial revolution had over the proceeding century given Europeans (specifically Western European nations such as France and Great Britain) a technological advantage over the rest of the world which these nations used to develop huge global empires under a system known as Imperialism. The late 19th and early 20th saw dramatic changes in many aspects of European life.
The Nature of European Society and the Effects of Industrialization
-Key features of this era included: * The unequal distribution of wealth and power * Imperialism and economic rivalries * Nationalism and cultural identity * The decline of dynastic authority * The class system and demands for change * Slavery and worker exploitation * Emerging ideologies and their challenge to traditional structures * Diplomacy, aggression and war as instruments of foreign policy
Rich and Poor: * An individual’s ‘membership’ of the upper, middle, or lower class reflected their own economic role in society & their opportunities * Upper classes * Tended to have status derived from family background and wealth * Generally had ownership of extensive areas of land * Dominated European political life * Enjoyed high status, prestige and influence that did not necessarily reflect talent or ability * Access to luxuries and education * Middle classes * Involved in the development and control of industries + commercial ventures * Also those in professions such as law and medicine * Wealth + influence in society resulted from individual efforts more than family connections * Had access to similar education opportunities * Sought the same social and political influence as the upper class * Mimicked the lifestyles of the upper class * Lower classes * Also known as the