MODERNISM

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.