How the World Became Modern
Before
the 1600s people had been content with a lifestyle of living off the land and
accepting things as they are. As time passed on peoples beliefs and perception
on how the world works gradually changed. People began to question known ideals
and norms; they looked for reasons to why things are the way they are. The
modern world has its foundation in the Age of Enlightenment; from this era
emerged new types of thinking that led to the modern world. Various movements
continued the impact.
The Age
of Enlightenment laid the groundwork for the modern world as people of that
time changed their mindset from one of a superstitious nature to one of
applying reason. Because people were driven to think, their growth of knowledge
became rapid and advancements were made with new innovations taking form. This
new type of thinking let to a demand for a better standard of living and
philosophers like Jean Jacques Rousseau forged ideas of equal rights for
all. The knowledge attained let to new
technologies.
In
England factory systems were being built in large numbers and around Europe,
machines began to replace man and animals by doing most of the work. The
Industrial Revolution was starting. These factories caused rapid urbanization
and people earned a better living working in the city than at the farms.
Despite the long working hours, poor living conditions and low wages, a larger
percentage of people still moved to the city. Home businesses adopted the
factory system to produce their goods, utilizing machinery to assist. Private
businesses had total control what they wanted to sell and also had the liberty
to set their desired prices. The level of control and choice over the business
let to capitalism. Travel also played a major role to these businesses and
other sectors.
The
invention of the steam engine helped the development of transportation. Large
quantities of goods could be transported from place to place in a more easier
and efficient manner. The building of railroads also meant that trade became a
lot easier. Technologies such as the train, steamboat and motorcar allowed for
people to travel further to new places. This was pivotal in the
cross-pollination of ideas and information from various locations. The impact
of travel could be seen through the Great Exhibition of 1851; the brainchild of
Prince Albert, where different types of innovations, designs and artifacts of
interest were horded under one roof. The Crystal Palace Exhibition exposed
people to new worlds and cultures.
Amidst the
rise of the modern world, various movements reacted both negatively and
negatively to these changing times. The Design Reform movements were against
the change, mainly the Industrial Revolution and they had embraced socialist
ideals. They sought for inspiration from the past, believed in craftsmanship
and worked in the form of guilds. Architect, carpenter, and painter…they saw
each other as equals and with this forged toward a utopian ideal. Their cause
was flawed by the high cost of their products.
The
Futurism movement however championed the modern world; they wanted ideas of
speed and dynamism to represent them. Led by Tomasso Marinetti, the Futurist was
radical in their approaches and themes of motion, time and technology. This
movement not only accepted modernity, they changed peoples views about it.
The
modern world came about from mans desire to know more and understand the world.
From being enlightened, people started applying their found knowledge with
innovations and inventions of news technologies. With the rapid changes,
various movements had their own views on how the world should move forward.
