18731921

1873–1921 denotes a historical span ranging from 1873 to 1921. It covers the late 19th century, the turn of the century, and the immediate postwar years, a period marked by rapid industrialization and social transformation.

Economic development and crisis: The Panic of 1873 sparked a global depression that affected economies worldwide. In the following decades, industrialization accelerated, rail networks expanded, and large-scale corporations reshaped labor and production. Global trade and imperial competition tied distant regions into integrated economies, while financial cycles influenced political debates and policy.

Politics and society: The era saw the consolidation of nation-states, the growth of urban working classes, and the rise of mass political movements. Suffrage movements advanced in some countries, while labor unions organized strikes and negotiations. Cultural life diversified as education expanded and new mass media emerged.

Science and culture: Scientific advances reframed understandings of nature and the universe, with developments such as Einstein's theory of relativity and progress in chemistry, medicine, and engineering. In the arts, modernist currents questioned traditional forms, while literature and music reflected rapid social change.

War and postwar order: World War I (1914–1918) was a central event of the period, followed by revolutions and redrawn borders. The 1918 influenza pandemic disrupted populations and economies. By 1921, many regions faced reconstruction, debt, and social upheaval, setting the stage for the interwar era.