Step back in time and witness the seismic shifts that have redefined life across the globe in "Echoes of an Era: A Comparative Chronicle of 1900 and 2000." Journey through a meticulously crafted tapestry of societal evolution, where the dawn of the 20th century, brimming with burgeoning technological marvels and nascent global connections, starkly contrasts with the digital age's interconnectedness, unprecedented access, and complex political landscape. This compelling exploration dissects the transformative changes in attitudes, the lives of ordinary people, and the tectonic plates of global politics that have shaped our modern world. Unearth the stark realities of living standards a century ago, where limited access to electricity and healthcare drastically impacted life expectancy, and juxtapose it against the advancements in medicine, technology, and education that have become commonplace today. Delve into the evolution of leisure, from localized pastimes and exclusive holidays for the wealthy to the readily accessible entertainment and international travel enjoyed by many in the 21st century. Uncover the arduous journey of women's suffrage, contrasting the limited rights and opportunities afforded to women in 1900 with the strides toward equality achieved in Western countries by 2000, while acknowledging the persistent disparities in developing nations. Examine the shifting political landscapes of Europe, America, Africa, and Asia, from the grip of wealthy families and colonial dominance to the rise of democratic ideals, global partnerships, and the challenges of post-colonial independence. Explore the impact of globalization, the internet, and evolving political ideologies on shaping the world we inhabit today. "Echoes of an Era" is not just a historical account; it's a profound reflection on progress, inequality, and the enduring human spirit, offering invaluable insights into the forces that have molded our past and continue to shape our future. Discover the stories of innovation, social change, and political upheaval that define the profound differences – and surprising similarities – between these two pivotal centuries. Experience the comparison of life in 1900 versus life in 2000 across continents with a detailed account of politics, leisure, and daily life, providing a unique lens through which to view our ever-changing world. This is essential reading for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of how far we've come and the challenges that still lie ahead in our rapidly evolving global society.
LIFE IN 1900 AND 2000 - A COMPARISON
1. ATTITUDES
Around 1900, the people had started to discover that they could rule over nature and so they began to do better and greater things than before. They built great buildings like the Eiffel Tower, great ships like the Titanic and also the railroad was developed. This all led to a great improvement in industry, and therefore, in the year 1900, the people arranged the first EXPO in Paris.
Also, the people started to do the great inventions that still dominate our lives, like the aeroplne or electricity. Many things were done for the first time, i.e. cossing the channel from France to England and, later on, flying to America. The people had real heroes whom they could celebrate.
Today, there are different attitudes: The most important thing for us today is globalisation, liberty and peace. Therefore, we have many different communities like the NATO or the EU. Their aim is to have as many countries as possible together in one big partnership to keep the world "small".
Also very important is the internet. It makes it possible to communicate with everyone at any time. Another advantage of the internet is that news are spread very fast throughout (nearly) the whole world. So if you publish something in the internet, very many people all over the world can have a look at it in a very short time and it becomes known very soon. This safes a lot of time and also money.
2. LIVES OF ORDINARY PEOPLE
A) Standard of living
Before 1900 the standard of living had benn really bad. There was no electricity and very bad health care. Therefore the life expectancy was very low indeed (only at 46 years). Later on, the standard of living improved. Electricity began to dominate and health care developed. Food now could be strored longer and so the life expectancy also rose.
Because of the explosion in population, public transport systems were needed, and so, additionally to tram and bus, the first underground was built in Budapest in 1887 [???]. But not only transport improved, also education did. Children now didn´t only get educated, but many of them also got a good and well paid job.
Today, most of these questioned things are just normal standard. Education and electricity are standard nearly everywhere. Health care and medical service are perfectly organised and the life expectancy is very high.
Our live has become very easy. Nowadays, one can do nearly everythig via internet; it doesn´t matter wether it is shopping, banking, publishing or receiving information.
Working conditions have also changed very dramaticlly: There are restrictions in working time, payment and free-time. and if your boss wants to fire you, he has to tell you some wekks before, so you can look for a new job.
B) Leisure
Around 1900, the people started to found all sorts of companies to do their favourite sport in a more organised way. In 1904 the FIFA was founded and in 1912 the International Lawn Tennis Federation ILTF. These communities gave the people the chance to to compete in different leagues with fix rules or eveb to become professional sportsmen.
Also at this time, sumer holidays became very popular. The people mainly went by train to a near lake or the sea to have some nice time and to relax from the hard work. The reason for the popularity of this form of leisure was that it was new that the people actually did get holidays. but because these weren´t paid, as it is usual nowadays, only richer people could afford to go on holidays. The others stayed at home and did day trips or other things.
Today, leisure time isn´t that "valuable" as it was in 1900. Paid holidays are an absolutely normal thing and people also don´t go to a nearby place, but travel many hours or even days to other countries or even continents.
If one doesn´t have the time to go somewhere else, it is no problem: Every city has a zoo or a fun park. There are cinemas everywhere and cafés where you can spend your free time. And if even all that gets boring, there ist always a last place of refuge, and that is called TV.
C) Vote of women
Before 1900, women didn´t have many rights at all. They were treated just a little bit better than slaves. Their only "use" was to bear children and raise them.
But with the beginning of the 20th century, there were many revolts and women finally managed to be allowed to take up jobs. Later on, first univercities admitted women and as a result, more and more started studying.
Today, in western countries, women have finally gained equality in rights, although there are still some man, who don´t accept this.
In developing countries, women aren´t accepted as equal to man. They are treates badly and also don´t have equal rights.
3. POLITICS
A) Europe
In 1900, Europe was ruled by a couple of very rich families like the Habsburg family, which had everything under their control. Because of this, people were very unsatisfied with their lives. There were many demonstrations throughout the whole of Europe and finally, more and more people started to think nationalistic. As a result, the first world war was coming up.
Today, there is a totally different situation: All of Europe is democratic and all the main European countries take part in the EU. There will even be a main currency .
B) Anerica
In 1900, America was in a very advanced political situation: They were the first to have a voted president, and therefore, nearly everyone - and especially poor people - wanted to settle down in America. Unfortunately, many families could only afford to buy tickets for their children.
Today, Amerrica looses some of its image of being the country of the unlimited possibilities, mainly because of the recent crimes that have happened. Their politics are (together with the European) the worlds leading, although there are voices who say that they aren´t that good anymore, because they tend to solve problems too soon with force.
C) Africa
In 1900, Africa put itself together just of European colonies. The original inhabitants were first converted to christianity and then put into slavery. The Europeans destroyed very much of the Black´s cultures and also treated them very badly.
Today, all of the African countries have regained independence, but theys are very poor. Still most of the people are farmers and haver large families. The political situation is very difficault, for there are fights because everyone is so poor.
D) Asia
In Japan, there still was feudalism, but due to the industrialisation there were revolts. In China there was a monarchy before it become communistic.
Russia was ruled by the Tsar, but when the people revolted, it became communistic.
Today, Japan plays a very important role in computer business and has developed very rapidly.
China is a bit behind, because communism has lasted very long.
Frequently asked questions
What is the document about?
This document provides a comparison of life in 1900 and 2000, focusing on attitudes, the lives of ordinary people (standard of living, leisure, the vote of women), and politics (Europe, America, Africa, and Asia).
What were the prevailing attitudes around 1900?
People in 1900 were optimistic about their ability to control nature, leading to significant advancements in industry, construction, and transportation, exemplified by events like the Paris EXPO and inventions like the airplane and electricity. They also had heroes they celebrated.
How did attitudes differ in 2000?
In 2000, the focus shifted towards globalization, liberty, and peace, leading to the formation of international communities like NATO and the EU. The internet's role in communication and information dissemination became crucial.
What was the standard of living like before 1900?
The standard of living before 1900 was poor, with no electricity and inadequate healthcare, resulting in a low life expectancy of around 46 years.
How did the standard of living improve?
Improvements in electricity, healthcare, and food storage gradually improved the standard of living. Public transport systems and education also saw advancements.
What is the standard of living like today?
Education and electricity are standard in most places, and healthcare is well-organized, leading to a high life expectancy. The internet facilitates various activities, and working conditions have improved.
How was leisure time perceived around 1900?
Organized sports became popular with the founding of organizations like FIFA and the ILTF. Summer holidays were also becoming popular, but only wealthier people could afford them.
How has leisure time changed?
Paid holidays are common, and people travel to distant locations. Various entertainment options, such as zoos, fun parks, cinemas, and TV, are readily available.
What was the role of women before 1900?
Women had limited rights and were primarily expected to bear and raise children.
How did the role of women change?
Women fought for and gained the right to work and attend universities. While equality has been achieved in many Western countries, challenges remain in developing countries.
What was the political situation in Europe around 1900?
Europe was dominated by wealthy families, causing widespread dissatisfaction and nationalistic sentiments that eventually led to World War I.
What is the political situation in Europe today?
Europe is largely democratic, and many countries are part of the EU, working towards a unified currency.
What was the political situation in America around 1900?
America was considered advanced due to its elected president, attracting many immigrants, though families often struggled to afford tickets.
What is the political situation in America today?
America has partially lost its image of unlimited possibility due to crimes. Some criticize its tendency to use force to solve problems quickly. Nonetheless, the US remains a leading global power.
What was the political situation in Africa around 1900?
Africa consisted of European colonies where the indigenous population were converted to Christianity and subjected to slavery, leading to the destruction of their cultures.
What is the political situation in Africa today?
African countries have gained independence but face poverty and political instability, often due to struggles over limited resources.
What was the political situation in Asia around 1900?
Japan was undergoing industrialization and faced revolts against feudalism. China had a monarchy before becoming communist. Russia was ruled by the Tsar before becoming communist.
What is the political situation in Asia today?
Japan is a leader in the computer industry, and has developed quickly. China has lagged somewhat due to communism. Russia faces economic problems and maintains a degree of separation from the rest of the world, leading to problems like the Kursk submarine disaster.
- Quote paper
- Mathias Heckl (Author), 2000, Life in 1900 and 2000 - a comparison, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/98540
