1900s

The 1900s refers to the decade from 1900 through 1909, a period of rapid modernization, geopolitical change, and cultural transformation that helped shape the early 20th century. It was marked by expanding industrial economies, advances in science and technology, and shifting imperial influence around the world.

In international affairs, the era saw ongoing imperial competition and attempts to codify international law. The Boxer Rebellion ended in 1901, and the Russo-Japanese War of 1904–1905 highlighted rising non-European powers. The Entente Cordiale of 1904 and the 1907 Hague Conference contributed to a framework for diplomatic relations, while the United States extended its influence in the Caribbean and Pacific, with the Platt Amendment (1903) and the beginning of Panama Canal construction in 1904–1905. The first Nobel Prizes were awarded in 1901, reflecting a broader interest in science and peace.

Technological and economic developments accelerated during the decade. The automotive industry began to take hold with the introduction of the Ford Model T in 1908, popularizing mass-produced, affordable cars. Electricity, telecommunication, and urban infrastructure expanded, fueling economic growth and changing daily life. The Panic of 1907 exposed financial vulnerabilities but also spurred reforms in financial regulation in some countries.

Science and culture of the 1900s featured notable milestones. The Wright brothers achieved the first powered flight in 1903, signaling the coming age of aviation. Albert Einstein published groundbreaking papers in 1905 on relativity and energy, among other topics. Early cinema emerged as a new art form, with films such as The Great Train Robbery (1903) influencing narrative technique. The decade also witnessed ongoing movements in art and literature as modernism began to take shape.