The physical changes that were taking place in societies
exposed to the Industrial Revolution were accompanied
by an equally significant transformation in the arena of
culture. Before 1914, most Westerners continued to believe
in the values and ideals that had been generated by
the impact of the Scientific Revolution and the Enlightenment.
The ability of human beings to improve themselves
and achieve a better society seemed to be well
demonstrated by a rising standard of living, urban improvements,
and mass education. Between 1870 and
1914, however, a dramatic transformation in the realm of
ideas and culture challenged many of these assumptions.
A new view of the physical universe, alternative views of
human nature, and radically innovative forms of literary
and artistic expression shattered old beliefs and opened
the way to a modern consciousness. Although the real
impact of many of these ideas was not felt until after
World War I, they served to provoke a sense of confusion
and anxiety before 1914 that would become even more
pronounced after the war.
World History
