18861939

1886–1939 refers to a historical span that covers the late 19th century, the first half of the 20th century, and the onset of World War II. It is often treated as a single transitional era in modern history, marked by rapid industrialization, social change, and dramatic political upheavals across the globe.

During this period, the world experienced the Second Industrial Revolution's mature phase, with advances in steel, electricity, chemistry, and mass production. Urbanization accelerated as people moved to cities for work, and global trade expanded through rail, steamship, and later electrified networks. European empires remained dominant, though pressures for reform and independence grew in colonized regions. World War I (1914–1918) and its aftermath reshaped borders, economies, and international institutions, leading to the dissolution of several monarchies and empires and the creation of new states. The Russian Revolution of 1917 brought a communist regime to power in Russia, influencing global political discourse.

The interwar years were defined by economic volatility, including the Great Depression of the 1930s, and the rise of new ideologies. Fascism and Nazism gained power in parts of Europe, while other nations adopted varied approaches to governance and economic policy. Cultural life saw flowering movements in art, literature, cinema, and science, with breakthroughs in physics, medicine, and technology influencing everyday life.

The period ends in 1939 with the outbreak of World War II, a turning point that redefined international relations, security, and societal norms for decades to come. The era 1886–1939 thus encompasses both the achievements and the upheavals that shaped the modern world.