Late-19th-century

Definition

The Late-19th-century refers to the period from approximately 1870 to 1900, characterized by rapid industrialization, urbanization, and significant social and political changes across Europe. This era saw the emergence of new ideologies and movements that influenced institutional reforms and cultural developments, laying the groundwork for the modern era.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The late-19th century was marked by the rise of mass politics, with increased participation in political processes and the expansion of suffrage.
2. Social reform movements gained momentum during this period, addressing issues like labor rights, women's rights, and public health.
3. Technological advancements, such as the telephone and electricity, transformed everyday life and contributed to urban growth.
4. Art and literature flourished with movements like Realism and Impressionism, reflecting societal changes and challenges.
5. Nationalism grew stronger in many countries, leading to increased tensions and conflicts, setting the stage for future geopolitical struggles.

Review Questions

• How did the Late-19th-century impact the emergence of political movements aimed at reforming institutions?
  • The Late-19th-century was a time of significant political change, with various movements advocating for reforms in response to the rapid social transformations caused by industrialization. Mass politics began to take shape as more citizens sought a voice in governance. Reforms were driven by demands for improved labor conditions, women's suffrage, and public health measures, ultimately leading to significant institutional changes in many European nations.
• Analyze the influence of artistic movements like Realism during the Late-19th-century on societal perceptions.
  • Artistic movements such as Realism played a crucial role in shaping societal perceptions during the Late-19th-century by reflecting everyday life and addressing social issues without idealization. This shift in artistic focus helped to raise awareness about the struggles faced by ordinary people, such as poverty and labor exploitation. By highlighting these issues through literature and visual arts, Realists contributed to a growing discourse on social reform and justice.
• Evaluate the consequences of nationalism that emerged during the Late-19th-century on European stability leading into the 20th century.
  • The rise of nationalism during the Late-19th-century had profound consequences for European stability as it fostered a sense of unity among certain groups while simultaneously creating tensions between others. Nationalist movements often sought independence or autonomy for various ethnic groups, leading to conflicts within multi-ethnic empires like Austria-Hungary and the Ottoman Empire. This growing nationalism not only intensified rivalries among European powers but also contributed to alliances that would later play a role in the outbreak of World War I.

Related terms

Industrial Revolution: A period of major industrialization during the late 18th and early 19th centuries that transformed economies from agrarian to industrial and led to widespread social changes.

Social Darwinism: An ideology that applied the concept of 'survival of the fittest' to human societies, justifying imperialism, colonialism, and social inequality.

Realism: An artistic movement that emerged in the mid-19th century, focusing on depicting everyday life and society without idealization, often highlighting social issues.