19262010

1926–2010 denotes a historical span from 1926 through 2010, used in histories and social sciences to analyze a broad arc of modern development. The period begins in the late 1920s with economic turbulence that culminated in the Great Depression, followed by rapid industrialization and social change across many regions. World War II and its aftermath remade political borders, economies, and international institutions, setting the stage for postwar reconstruction and the emergence of new powers.

From the late 1940s through the end of the Cold War in 1991, global politics were defined by rivalry, diplomacy, and decolonization, alongside regional conflicts and security architectures. The postwar era also witnessed extraordinary advances in technology and science, including electrification, aviation, space exploration, computing, and, later, the rise of the internet and mobile communications, reshaping economies and daily life.

Social and cultural currents moved toward greater egalitarianism and inclusion, with civil rights, feminist movements, and labor rights campaigns influencing policy and everyday norms. Globalization accelerated through trade liberalization, multinational capital flows, and cross-cultural exchange, while urbanization and demographic shifts reshaped cities and labor markets.

Economically, the period saw long-term growth and volatility, energy transitions, and environmental awareness, culminating in international efforts on climate change and sustainable development. By 2010, information technology and global connectivity had become defining features of economies and societies, while the 2008 financial crisis underscored the vulnerabilities and interdependence of a tightly connected world.