Essay for Exam Chapter 21
The liberalism era in Europe started in the 19th Century. The social system and the rigid structures were falling away to pave the way towards modernization. Until the 19th Century, European nobility and aristocracy were the sole beneficiaries of luxuries such as train trips, steamer trips abroad, owning machinery, etc. The ideals of modernism creeping into Europe and America changed all of that. This era was known as fi n de siècle. This liberalism transformed society, industry, labor markets, commerce, arts, education and religion tremendously. The industrial growth of the United States attracted a large number of immigrants; the Europeans were enticed by the American dream in more than one ways. The much romanticized marketing campaigns by steamer companies lured emigrants from European nations to the tune of millions. The American industry and economy were greatly bolstered by this mass influx of low wage workers.
Meanwhile, the women in Europe were able to work with the advent of the typewriter. The companies that traditionally employed men, turned to the newly available women employees. These women were able to occupy positions as secretaries and typists. Although they were unable to earn as much as their male counterparts for the same work, it allowed them the first of their liberties. The prices of services and materials dropped significantly with the advent of the free market. The price of paper and printing plummeted with a rapid increase in the public schooling system. The introduction of newer technologies brought along cheaper train tickets, food produces and the beginning of the supermarket era. In fact, several industries grouped together forming cartels of the business. However, this move allowed the bigger players to monopolize the market and threaten the existence of small traders. The Singer sewing machines were a hit globally and they were sold to populations in distant colonies as well. Women slowly gained rights to own property in their names. They had the right to divorce their husbands and even to study to become teachers, doctors, nurses and writers. Although they could only cater to women and denied of their right to vote, the liberalism was significant. The women who did not pursue the revolution were suffragette. The scene changed for the Catholic Church which once controlled most of the Roman Empire. They were forced to relinquish all their lands and territory to civilian governments and retreat to the newly founded Italian nation of Vatican.
The fi n de siècle also enabled artists such as Pablo Picasso to freely express their views on the plight of women through their paintings. The censorship over media, plays and cinema was virtually eradicated. This was an initial shock to the generation of the time however, it was embraced warmly by the next generation. The industrial development hardly improved the living conditions of the working class. Hence, this was a period when strikes broke out frequently. The Russian empire was in turmoil with losing the war to Japan and then facing internal revolt from the working class who demanded better living conditions and wages. However, the aristocrats continued to dominate proceedings while allowing minor concessions such as minor wage revisions. This resulted in the 1905 Russian Revolution.
The medical discoveries such as cheap quinine, carbolic acid and vaccine for rabies were significant progressions during this period. The first of the psychologists also emerged during this era starting with Sigmund Freud. Several renowned scientists including Louise Pasteur, Marie Curie, Albert Einstein and Charles Darwin published their works during this period. The Second Industrial revolution was launched in the form of finished goods such as soaps by the Lever Brothers and chocolates by Cadbury. This period also saw advanced weaponry such as the French artillery gun that could shoot without moving. The wars of this period in Africa were brutal and the liberalized press was able to publish the gory details of the Boer Wars. The era also witnessed a small part of anarchism. The period also witnessed the introduction of socialism in Europe. The teachings of Marx and Lenin were available across Europe in translated versions. The first travel agency was established by Thomas Cook with package trips to Asia, Australia and South America. Finally the politics turned anti-Jew and the sentiment was percolated throughout the continent. The Jews were portrayed as oppressors and large business owners who oppressed the working class. The Dreyfus Affair where a Jewish officer was falsely accused of treachery and convicted. However, a campaign from prominent Jews resulted in the release of Dreyfus (Le Bon, “The Crowd: A Study of the Popular Mind”).
Le Bon, Gustave. The Crowd: A Study of the Popular Mind. Atlanta: Cherokee Publishing. 1982. Print.
