18581922

1858–1922 refers to a historical span spanning the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It was characterized by rapid industrialization, the expansion of transportation and communications networks, and the rise of mass politics. The Second Industrial Revolution accelerated development in steel, electricity, chemicals, and machinery, and global trade grew with expanding colonial empires and new shipping technologies.

Politically, the period witnessed nationalism, liberal reforms, and rising labor movements, alongside imperial competition and reform in various states. Democratisation movements and constitutional developments altered governance in many regions, while social tensions and political radicalism shaped policy and conflict. The era laid the groundwork for modern state systems, international organizations, and global economic integration.

Military and diplomatic history dominated the later years, most notably World War I (1914–1918). The war reshaped borders, altered power structures, and catalyzed political upheavals. The Russian Revolution of 1917 led to the establishment of a socialist state and influenced movements around the world. In its aftermath, treaties and reorganizations created new states and shifted influence, setting the stage for interwar dynamics.

Science, technology, and culture transformed daily life. Aircraft and automobiles entered broader use; electricity and communications technologies changed industry and personal life. In science, physics and medicine advanced, while the arts and ideas moved toward modernist expressions and experimentation. By 1922, the postwar order, economic challenges, and cultural shifts signaled a transition toward a new international and cultural era.

Overall, 1858–1922 is viewed as a bridge between the long 19th century and the modern era, marked by transformation, conflict, and the emergence of institutions and ideas that would shape the century that followed.