As it crossed the threshold of the XIX century, Europe offered a sight of conflicting scenes. Imperialist expansion transformed it into the Global Metropole, yet, most of the population kept on dwelling in profound province, buried in their parochial affairs. The poor, the middle class and the new wealth 'wrestled' with each other, giving a living testimony to the growing fluidity of the social life; at the same time, old aristocracy and withal the hierarchical structure which brooked no intervention, persisted as if it were immune to the challenges of the New Times. The old creeds - liberalism and conservatism - were permeated with the new ones, producing strange hybrids akin to Action Francaise of Charles Maurras.
This week you are asked to reflect over those contrasting visions and answer a somewhat schematic question: based on your reading and our lectures, do you consider Europe in 1900 as modern, traditional, or somehow a combination of both? You need to answer this by supporting your point with specific examples.
Good luck!
This week you are asked to reflect over those contrasting visions and answer a somewhat schematic question: based on your reading and our lectures, do you consider Europe in 1900 as modern, traditional, or somehow a combination of both? You need to answer this by supporting your point with specific examples.
Good luck!
Europe, undoubtedly, had changed while moving to the new century. Europe held decisive economic leadership among other parts of the world. No matter how rapidly was developing this or another country, but they all were dependent by Europe. Even new word imperialism was not novelty for European countries. It was familiar to them from 15th century; this fact leaves us no doubt about progressive politics of Europe. They were still remaining as counties-conquerors, the most significant among them: Britain, France, Italy, Germany, etc. Britain had mostly economic interest in its colonies. There still was division of population into social ranks: the rich and the poor. And we know the third rank which was new for 20th century called middle class which was met in literature of that period. Also at the beginning of 20th century all countries in Europe, except France, were monarchies. France was republic country. During a new century there were different event which considerably or indirectly affected subsequent events. I cannot say that Europe changed greatly in the meaning of being modern; some countries saved it traditional institutes of governing and some other features, when the other ones had changed. There a lot of revolutions in art, politics, science and etc. – all of these can be called as a leap into new time. But Europe has to admit more changes before it will be like it is now. I want to say that progress does happen very fast, but the process of adoption of it takes time. However, comparing Europe today with other countries it can be called as country of “old model”. Some countries still have monarchy management systems; even if it is not like it was century ago, but at the same time it is still very economic influential.
ReplyDeleteDuring the nineteenth century Europeans had become leaders among other people to change their life dramatically. The life of Europeans, indeed ,transformed. But its hard to say exactly that in 1900 the Europe was modern or traditional. On the one hand it was modern, because: Modernity originated in Europe due to the formation of the Protestant work ethic, economy, bureaucracy. Europeans had industrial revolution, and the demise of most of Europe's monarchy. Their economy grew significantly. They lived in the industrial complex. Between 1800 and 1900, the number of European cities with populations over 100,000 increased from 22 to 120. The fastest growing cities and towns were the newer, industrial ones in 20th century, even though only two Europe remained the most urbanized continent. To be European meant to live in or near great cities. These cold facts, however , are less important than the social and intellectual impacts of urban living. To add, early 1900s woman rights became better. We can conclude that it was not totally modern, because during 19th century it was important to have title or to marry someone who’s from upper-level. Because it gives you social prestige and wealth. But in most situations Europeans could expect to finish out their days in about the same social position as they had begun…
ReplyDeleteWell, despite the fact, that Europe plays significant role in the whole world at the beginning of XX century, I can say that Europe was modern continent. And their thoughts as “The Civilized World” is an evidence. Europe was expanding as far as it could be. It has the most part of colonized countries, it was leading in economics, it was developing producing the coals and iron and steel, which percentage exceeded more than 50 among the world. Moreover, Europe had frenetic rhythm of living. There were factories, huge cities, also it accounted 62% percent of the world’s export. With developing the material culture, there was a place for scientists, writer and explorers. As a rule, continent has parceling in opportunities of people, who lived there. Even if the village life was composed of poor people, they were trying to move up to the cities, because it was better to work and live in the worst accommodation, than being unemployed in countryside. So, in my opinion, in 1900 Europe was as modern as it would be, and was such an industrial complex, where anyone would want to live.
ReplyDeleteIn the 1900 Europe was undergoing tremendous growth that had made Europe the undisputed leader among the countries of the world. In 1914 Europe remained as the centre of world economy, politics, art and science, despite of the upsurge of Japan and USA. It is dufficult to determine exactly Europe in 1900 as modern or traditional.In my opinion, Europe in 1900 was traditional, but with echoes of modernity. This is distinctly showed in European political system. Most European states were monarchies. Respublicanism was an exceptionally radical political position everywhere outside France and Switzerland up to 1914. But in 1914 most European states accepted that monarchy should have constitutional limitations.For example, in Britain, Scandinavia and Low countries the king reighned but did not rule.Also changed the role of Parliament. Parliament became more meaningful. Europeans received the right to vote for members of their Parliaments.Likewise there were changes in the life of Europeans.Many people began to move to the cities in hopes of finding more opportunities. Thus, in 1914 Europe was the most urban of the countries. 6 European cities had more than 1 million inhabitants. Social stratification had also taken a new shape.In addition to rich and poor,appeared a new social class- middle class. Middle class were interpreneurs, traders and etc. Gradually changed the role of aristocracy.For example, in France and Italy was aristocratic title diminished as a key to political power.Great sugnificance was the wealth and financial status.Finally,I want to say that all these examples emphasize that Europe in 1900 was a combination of traditional foundations and innovations required by the new XX century.
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ReplyDeleteAt the beginning of the XX century Europe had the upper hand in the world. She experienced these conversion times, the cause of which was the industrial revolution. The invention of machines and their use changed Europe economy and society. Industrial workers became numerically dominant class. They didn't have a property and worked with wage labor. They was in the plight, so they united in trade unions. Everywhere were formed a trade unions and workers' parties, which called social-democratic parties. Universal suffrage was introduced. In that time it was only in several countries. In addition, it was necessary to extend the rights of elected authorities through the power of monarchs (kings, emperors). The most democratic countries were the UK, France, Belgium and the Netherlands. In Europe adopted the idea that every nation should have their own country. Creation of national states occurred for several centuries and was not yet complete at the beginning of XX century. The most powerful countries - great powers - were Austria-Hungary, Britain, Germany, Italy, Russia, France. Reverence for the power engendered the militarism. At the beginning of XX century it was manifested in the growth of military spending and willingness to resolve all disputes by force of arms. The strength of arms grew remarkably after the industrial revolution.
ReplyDeleteIn conclusion, Europe was the center of the world and it had big economical influence.
Most European countries, especially, the Great Powers were monarchy in 1900 excepting France.
ReplyDeleteThe suffrage was only in a few of them. In political life an important role is still played patrimonial aristocracy.
But I think, at the beginning of XX century Europe was exactly in transition from traditional to modern.
It was viewed not only in the scientific and technological progress that sped up between 1880 and 1900's, but also in social, cultural and political changes. The role of Parliaments became more expanding. Liberalism was predominant in the middle classes.
So there were many revolutions that changed the daily life of Europeans and the political structure of Europe.
In the beginning of the XX century, the world was dominated by Europe and, to my mind, Europe at that time was modern, however there were some traces of traditional management and other traditional functions. Becoming the center of the world, there were some changes in science, art, also European countries experienced a period of social and political transformations. They were done by the Industrial Revolution that was started in Great Britain in the end of the XVIII century. The industry has become the leading sector of the economy. The invention and realization of new technologies resulted in rapid urban growth, and there was a need for competent and skilled employees. Therefore, "industrial workers" became one of the main class in a society. But, despite the fact that the industrial revolution has made the most numerous class of wage workers, and the richest- bourgeoisie, important role in the political life still played tribal aristocracy. Moreover, workers were fighting for their rights, for good working conditions and in the beginning of the XX century the government started to recognize them. It was some kind of shape of democracy. However, only France, Switzerland, and San-Marino were republican countries, all other countries were monarchies. To sum up, as I have said before, Europe in the beginning of XX century had a traditional and modern directions of development.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion, it is an ambiguous question whether Europe in 1900s was moderate or traditional. So, we cannot be very precise while answering this question, but i tend to choose moderate. Although Europeans had not eliminate social distances between people, the standard of their living had been increased. Thanks to introduction of first factories, the purchasing power of people was doubled. Europe was the most urban continent by 1914, most of Europeans lived in a cities. The another thing that makes this question ambivalence is the political system. Most European states, excepting France, were monarchies. However, in 1914 is was accepted that they should have some constitutional limitations. Europeans dominated the world through their technological, economical, scientific development and the modern military force.
ReplyDeleteEurope in 1900 had a significant progress in the development. Europe's influence on the world was manifested in the ideas of building a new world and a new society. According to the historical facts I suppose, that Europe in the beginning of 20 century was modern. Nevertheless, a new century brought not only good ideas such as machines, technologies, but also disaster. In the new world appeared evident violence, battles, terror. Europe wanted changes which was shown in the revolutions and in the behave of society at that moment. For example, the division of classes to rich, middle , poor was unfair to the most of Europeans. Europe was fed up with injustice. So they struggled for changing the politics and laws. On my opinion, Europe waited changes and as history shows us they got it.
ReplyDeleteEurope is modern or traditional is one of the debatable issues. Many historical facts proved as clear as day that Europe is a traditional continent. In my opinion the fact that society is stratified is proof that this continent has developed in the traditional way. Open society divided into rich and poor. And walking down the street could be seen by the clothes, by the way they behave, and other criteria will help you quickly determine what wealthy people, and which are not. Imperialism also is proof that the Europe is traditional. By 1914, Britain had an empire 140 times its own size, Belgium, Empire 80 times its size, the Netherlands, 60 times, 20 times and France.
ReplyDeleteBut on the other hand, these countries are not officially declared their colonies, and simply presented, so that supposedly they “help these countries to develop”. This too is a kind of public political diversions. Because, I think they are under such words as “help them develop”, they really improved themselves. In 1914, Europe was the source of 83 percent of foreign investment in the world, even the new American giant, the U.S. was in debt to European investors. It is worth noting that, if you compare with the Russian Empire and Asia, Europe with its unusual policy was much more modern. Yes, and not only in politics but we lagged and production. For example, the Russian peasants produced about 8.9 bushels of spring wheat per acre, while the German peasants receive 27.5 and English farmers 35.4. It is indisputable that the heads of European countries did everything to make people feel good that is addressed to all amenities. For example, a resident of London could order by telephone, sipping his morning tea in bed, the various products of the whole earth, in such quantity as he might see fit.
In conclusion I would like to say that, Europe was the continent as a traditional and modern.
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ReplyDeleteAs far as I am concerned, Europe was traditional and modern. Europe experienced a conversion time, the cause of which was an industrial revolution. The invention of machines , their use in the production of various goods changed economy and European society . Industrial workers became numerically dominant class. They had lived in the property and wage labor . Their situation was difficult. It became particularly bad when they lose their jobs . Therefore, to improve their situation, workers united with each other to struggle against society . Society for a long time did not recognize the rights of workers . They advocated revolution and destruction of private property . But by the beginning of the XX century workers have had some success in their struggle . There were established trade unions and workers' parties , called a social-democracy parties. Likewise, observing the numerous strikes and claims , society reconsider all these problems, furthermore many of which was satisfied. Workers believed in that European society can be made more fair without a revolution, but by gradual reforms. Thus, the expansion of democracy was a major factor.
ReplyDeleteIn Europe the idea that every nation, every person should have their own state became firmly established. Creation of national states passed several centuries and at the beginning of XX century was not yet complete. . The state, which had a large area, a powerful army and overseas colonies considered as strong and powerful state. For such countiries, indeed, was attributed Germany, Austria-Hungary, Great Britain, Russia, France and Italy . Moreover, Germany was considered as the most powerful state, that passed ahead not less than developed countries as Great Britain and France. In Germany the basis industry took a significant place. Furthermore, in Europe there was a powerful and quick-artillery guns. Wars have become very destructive. According to the history, Europe also was traditional. A majority of european countries were monarchies. The traditions and mons were abiden by people.
If you look at a map of the world and processes that embrace the entire world in the beginning of the XX is easy to see that this century was the turning point in the history. As a result of the Reformation and the Bourgeois revolutions in Europe began the process of transition from a traditional society to a society of early modern .The transition from traditional to modern society is very complex, because modernization changes XX century, which spread to virtually all spheres of human life, were unexpected for the person. Nevertheless it is very hard to say that the Europe in 1900 was modern or traditional, because as we know modernization of traditional societies is extremely painful. In the making of modernity in Europe is the destruction of simple, warm and personal human relations. People in traditional socities didn`t know what it means loneliness,had a vague idea of private life. When a person was born, he belonged to a strictly defined social community, depending on its origin. While man of the the modern dealing with bureaucratic structures, chooses a career ,path in life, the options of self-realization. I mean that transition from traditional to modern society is very dramatic as for society as a whole and for the individual. The breadth and depth of those changes are so great and revolutionary, that occur quite difficult. So we can assume, modernity in its political sphere finally embodied in Western Europe only after the Second World War.
ReplyDeleteEurope played a very special role in the world in 19th century. They hd a big population,industrial productivity. In 1914 Europeans had a big role and possition in the world.They thought themselves as "the civilized" world. It means that they were modern with some traditional effects. They had a modern lifestyle. Europe dominated the world in 1914. They were leaders in economic,trade and etc. They had an international gold standard exchange, and they exchanged their currency, but the economy was stable. Europeans did not only invest their money in, but also they invested into foreign countries.
ReplyDeleteTo this period tends imperialism. It was a period of colonial expansion, and it was accompanying ideologies by the European power. At this time countries focused on building empire with advances, making their country bigger.
In my mind, Europe in 1900 was modern and civilized, but also had traditional elements.They were one step ahead than others.
I guess that Europe was more modern than traditional, due to as at the time when in Europe actually in Britain was the dawn of economy, in USSR nobody know what did "capitalism" mean. Europeans dominated in 19th century, the reason is developed countries like Great Britain, Germany, Italy and France. Another reason is that these countries had colonies and there were realization and invention new technologies which powered their industry.
ReplyDeleteWe also can call Europe like traditional, because in some countries of Europe still continuing monarchy.
Having been red chapter from Paxton,researched other books,and watched several documental films, I concluded that Europe at begening XX century was modern than traditional. of course, If I describe this period with nowadays, it will be tradional, regadless it have passed more than 100 years. When we look some historical facts, especially political, social-economic, and even spiritual sides, we see, that was changes in better sides, it was more improve. Also, when we look to industrial changes, we see, that new technologies was discoverd with opening electricity, such as locomotives, plans, radio,cars, telepphone,which made economic progress. Also in this period, form of market economy is strengthened, because of develepment of capitalism.
ReplyDeleteWhen we look to the political side, Monarchy and Republic was two essential form of government. Surely, Republic was modern and young form of government, which strategic aim is democracity, right voice. This form of government had Switherland, France, San-Marino. This period characterized as emergence of nationalism, when ended processes of nation-building, such as holland, english, french.
At this period of time was a big gowth of capitaism, which fomed a different type of social groups, that it wasn't in taditional Europe, I mean about hired workers, than fighting workers for theirs rights lead to birth of mass workers' movement, I thtink it was the most important factor of European life. Also with strengthening militarism and introducing new types of weapons, emerged new movement like pacifism, which were against all of the wars. I think this movement is trending nowadays.
Excellent comment, Madina
DeleteIn my view, Europe has been and modern and traditional power. Europe today is a modern, as in European history begins the process of abrupt change in socio-economic formations. In Europe, began to develop from primitive society to feudalism, capitalism and socialism. Europeans dominated not only in economics but also in culture, science, and much more. But Europe is also traditional, as before, many European countries were monarchies, and nowadays some countries hold the monarchy.
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