18751947

1875–1947 refers to a historical span that covers the late 19th century and the first half of the 20th century. It includes the mature phase of the Second Industrial Revolution, the growth of nation-states, and profound political, social, and technological change around the world.

Economic and technological developments: mechanization, mass production, electrification, and the expansion of rail, shipping, and aviation; communications advances such as the telephone and radio facilitated global links and cultural exchange.

Societies and politics: urbanization and labor movements reshaped social structures; suffrage expanded in many countries; colonial empires persisted through much of this period, even as independence movements gained momentum. Liberal democracies, socialist movements, and the rise of totalitarian regimes in various regions reflected shifting political currents.

Global conflicts and diplomacy: World War I (1914–1918) redefined borders and governance and contributed to geopolitical tensions in the interwar era. The interwar period included economic volatility, social unrest, and the ascent of extremist movements in some areas. World War II (1939–1945) ended with Allied victory and profound humanitarian crises, followed by postwar reorganizations and a new international order.

Science, culture, and legacy: advances in physics and chemistry, alongside developments in medicine and technology, accelerated modern life. Modernist movements influenced art and literature, while science and education advanced global knowledge. By 1947, decolonization pressures and the foundations of a postwar international system, including the creation of institutions like the United Nations, began to shape the subsequent era.