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 …show more content…

m: * Huge technological gap between industrial Europe and the rest of the world * Racism used to excuse exploitation (for example the scramble for Africa) * The stereotyping of people according to race, class or religion was commonly accepted * Those who benefited from such stereotyping seemed only ‘natural and right’ * Kipling’s ‘White Man’s Burden’ can be seen to display these racial stereotypes and European attitudes towards the acclaim for imperialism and supports the imperial endeavour of European nations * “White supremacy and a ‘duty’ to ‘civilise’ savage peoples and cultures” * New imperialism * Refers to the colonial expansion adopted by Europe’s powers and the US * The period is distinguished by an unprecedented pursuit of overseas territorial acquisitions * Missionary activity increased dramatically * Markets, raw materials and investment attracted imperialists as tariffs rose in Europe * Stimulated nationalism and imperial rivalry
Expanded Role Of Government: * Industrialisation and growth of cities led to major problems * Governments were forced to intervene: * Public health and housing * Working conditions * Education * Public facilities >>> to improve the standards of living that had declined * Led to an increase in government power * Parliamentary governments were developed * Power retained by the aristocracy * Socialism grew more slowly
Racism, Social