Eric Hobsbawm : An Standard For Accounts Of The Twentieth Century

Many historians argue The Emancipation of the Serfs in 1861, to be a key turning point within Russian history. It drastically altered Russia’s economic, political and social stipulation. One could propose the argument that this event lead to the fall of communism in 1990, further more suggesting the extent to which this event affected Russia. Hence this is ‘perhaps the most defining moment in Russian history, with its impact being seen many years after the event itself’. Although historians identify short term effects of this event, the significance to which this event

There is a controversial debate about the 1920s, whether it was “roaring” or whether is was destitute. In the perspective of some historians, the 1920s brought a rapid increase in urbanization and boom in the economy, however, these historians fail to see the evident terrors that the 1920s brought. The positive uproar on the 1920s did not stand a chance against the rising negative roar of residential schools, the Stock Market Crash, and credit debt. Due to these tragic events, 1920s was brought a dark and negative atmosphere rather than one of contentment.

The early to mid 1900s proved to be a whirlwind for politics and society as a whole. While there were a plethora of issues to be dealt with within the Progressive Era, one of the most noteworthy issues to discuss would be that of the working class and the businessmen of the first quarter of the 1900s. The reason why these two portions of society within the Progressive Era are the most relevant to discuss stems from the fact that during the Progressive Era there was a great gap between the upper-class (businessmen) and the lower-class (working class). It was during this time that the country was experiencing great changes to its political platform with several new types of initiatives being taken. The applicability of these reforms and initiatives during this era will be talked about.

The beginning of the twentieth century brought with it relative peace and growth of economies throughout the world. New technological developments such as airplanes, radio, cinema, and automobiles were created during this time frame. Europe’s powerful countries consolidated in their colonial conquests from earlier decades that balanced their alliances. However, after only a few decades into the twentieth century multiple tensions between the great powers surfaced. These tensions caused the great powers to separate into different alliances and eventually lead to the Great War.

The ascendency of the United States (U.S) into the world’s hegemonic was one like none other. The start of the twentieth century brought upon revolutionary technological advancements that propelled the U.S into the leading economic superpower it remains today. Following the turbulent economic climate of the country following World War I, the development of mass production not only revolutionised the industrial sphere, but also remains widely accredited for being the key driving force behind the economic boom in the 1920s. Existing social values were reformed; free-market capitalist practices were endorsed, and American society aspired to ideals of excessive material wealth and excess. A revolution of mass consumption’ took place in this era, transforming the U.S economy one of global superiority and enabling it to exercise diplomatic authority over the rest of the world. However, it must also be considered that such developments only brought upon temporary prosperity, ultimately leading to the globally devastating Great Depression in the 1930s, and this prosperity was only enjoyed by a fraction of the population. Additionally, the importance of other factors, such as the nation’s role in WWII, and the fiscal policies implemented by the Republican government, when regarding the nation’s rise to global hegemon is fundamental.

Although the 1920’s is often categorized by widespread prosperity and pleasure, there was no lack of tension. Struggles revealed themselves between those who were beginning to form a new approach to the world, and those who wished to stick to traditional ideals. The rise of consumerism, technological advancements, and conditions in a post-war society all caused America to change in different ways; leading to either support of this change or a desire to preserve the past. As both sides fought to have their way, this strain regarding the role of women, rights of minorities, religious teachings, and the growth of industry manifested itself in a variety of ways, including physical violence and government legislation.

Since the 1973 court case of Roe v. Wade, around 38 million women have gotten away with murder (Williams 54). An abortion is the deliberate termination of a human pregnancy, most often occurring in the first 28 weeks (Merriam). The Supreme Court case of Roe v. Wade ruled that abortions performed in the first trimester are legal and abortions performed out of that time period were to be decided by the individual state (Blackmun). The history of abortions goes all the way back regardless of whether it was legal or not. Women would either find costly doctor 's willing to do it or use dangerous methods to do it themselves. As time

Post-World War I was a time for reevaluation: of alliances, of war tactics, and of what it meant to be a part of humanity. The so-called Great War left people around the world feeling exhausted, disgusted1, and yet stubborn in the desire for just compensation for their losses2. The United States found itself in a peculiar position born of Wilsonian neutrality ideals and immense war debts from the Allies; foreign policy decisions were entrenched in an internal battle between isolationists and internationalists3. While the 1920s are often said to have been dominated by the isolationists, perhaps American leadership through economic manipulation played larger role than it has been given credit4. The United States was not an isolationist nation after WWI, and its economic foreign policy decisions had global consequences.

For many years there has been a discussion about the best decade and the best era in the United States of America. People are convincing each other that twenties were the Golden Age or 1990’s were the most influencing but there is no clear and nationwide agreement in that case. In fact, according to different authors and publishers there was no year that actually resolved all problems in the United States. From some people’s point of view, however, it is not a matter of which decade end all problems but rather a matter of which decade influenced the most areas of Americans’ lives. Although 1940’s have not resolved all America’s problems, those years did the most to influence contemporary America in areas such as the economic leadership of

The 19th century was the start of many innovative ideologies that changed history. Not only have these ideologies helped shape the structure of our lives, but they have also changed the way our people and historians view the world around us. Powerful advanced ideas about science, philosophy, religion, psychology and sociology were formed during this century. It can be disputed that no other time period in the world had so many ideas about the best ways integrate themselves in the ever-changing world and have such a positive impact. On the outskirt of the Enlightenment, 19th century activists and thinkers came up with new ways to approach society, economics, and political systems. Out of all the incredible ideas that came from the 19th century Socialism and Liberalism are two of the most important. They are ideas that can still be seen in parts of today’s society and have had dramatic effects on the shaping of our world.

As Mark Mazower notes in his Dark Continent text the tale of democracy in the twentieth century, was not one of, an inevitable victory, but rather one “of narrow squeaks and unexpected twists,”.( Preface, Kindle Location 116). This paper will examine important events of the era that factored into the ideological fight for supremacy. While also highlighting examples that show that Europeans largely have not always been incredibly enthusiastic about democracy.

For Hobsbawm the Age of Extremes follows those of Revolution, Capitalism, and Empire on which he has already written at length and with great distinction. Hobsbawm clearly divides the ages into `The Age of Catastrophe ' (1914-50), `The Golden Age ' (1950-75), and `The Landslide ' (1975 to 1991 and beyond). Neither the periodization nor the titles are important, however Hobsbawm has limited himself to the `short Twentieth Century ' marked by the start of the First World War and concluding with the collapse of the Soviet Union at the start of the 1990 's. In practice, Hobsbawm analysis is shown to move on beyond 1991 and makes it apparent of his awareness of the political forces that need to be understood if 1914 were to be explained. As the economic growth between these two points might just be termed `golden ', if not for all, it is hardly convincing to describe the period since 1975 as a `landslide ', as if things have been rolling steadily downhill since that point. Such an image does not do justice to a much more complex picture.

The catastrophes of the past are the foundation of the future, events that occurred in the past cause people to envision a “better life” of not only for themselves but a society as a whole. By envisioning a better future individual rose up, advocated ideas, and policies that they believed would help in advancing their countries. For the purpose of this course, let us discuss the uprising of the Russian government and the European Council; both as single entities have their own goals, but collectively they seek to benefit their country(‘s) and promote prosperity, but through history and the changes of power has that aim been reached? Or if it is already has reached it, will these forms of government fail?

It is generally accepted by historians that there was a ‘crisis' that blanketed all of Europe during the 17th century. A myriad of revolts, uprisings and economic contractions occurred almost simultaneously and had a profound impact on the socio-economics of the entire continent. The topic for discussion in this paper is the effects that this ‘crisis' had on Europe and its developments. In particular, the focus will be on Marxist historian Eric Hobsbawm, and his theory that the 17th century crisis was the catalyst for the transition from feudal society to capitalism in England and ultimately the genesis of the industrial revolution. Hobsbawm argues that it was the crisis of the

En la década de 1920 ya existía en G.B. preocupación por la separación entre propiedad y control y la inefectividad de las juntas directivas ("Liberal Industry Inquiry" 1926-1928); pero la 2da guerra mundial y los esfuerzos de reconstrucción reubicaron dramáticamente los puntos en la agenda del desempeño de las corporaciones.