Jahrhundertwende

Jahrhundertwende is the German word for "turn of the century." It specifically refers to the transition from one century to another, often carrying connotations of a period of significant change, cultural shifts, and anticipation of the future. While it can apply to any turn of the century, it is most commonly associated with the period around 1900, marking the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century.

This era, roughly from the 1890s to the early 1910s, was characterized by rapid industrialization, technological advancements like electricity and automobiles, and profound social and political transformations. In art and literature, it saw the rise of movements such as Art Nouveau, Symbolism, and early Modernism, reflecting a sense of both optimism and unease about the coming era. Scientific discoveries challenged established ideas, and new philosophical concepts emerged.

The concept of Jahrhundertwende highlights a collective consciousness grappling with the passage of time and the uncertainties and possibilities that a new century brings. It represents a moment of introspection, a looking back at the achievements of the past century while simultaneously bracing for the unknown future. The term encapsulates the complex emotional and intellectual landscape of a society on the cusp of profound change.