Key Events and Thought in the 20th Century

Historical Periods of the Twentieth Century

Throughout the twentieth century, the Western world experienced a profound transformation. Events that mark our history include the two World Wars, the Russian Revolution, and the Cold War. Around these events, the following periods are established:

• From the beginning of the century until World War I (1900–1914). Labor movements developed during this time.
• The First World War (1914–1918), provoked by colonial rivalries. In Russia, the communist revolution occurred.
• The interwar period (1920–1939). This era saw the start of the economic euphoria of the Roaring Twenties, followed by the Crash of '29.
• The Second World War. This period includes the German invasion of Poland and the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, marking the peak of the nuclear age.
• Post-war: World communism versus capitalism, leading to the Cold War.
• The disappearance of the Berlin Wall in 1989 and German unification in 1990.

Twentieth-Century Thought

Three major trends of thought can be identified in the twentieth century: existentialism, psychoanalysis, and Marxism.

• Existentialism: Characterized by irrational and vital thinking. Key figures include Nietzsche and Schopenhauer. It often conveys feelings of anguish and despair regarding freedom and suffering.
• Psychoanalysis: Sigmund Freud's work discovered the existence of the subconscious.
• Marxism: Based on the thought of Karl Marx. It defines society by its mode of production and its evolution through class struggle.

Twentieth-Century Aesthetics

There were numerous rapid artistic currents. Among them are existential, experimental, and social aesthetics.

• The art reflects the fear of the existential meaning of life and despair concerning pain and death. In Spain, figures like Unamuno and Baroja are notable.
• Experimental art is characterized by the desire to break with the preceding styles and the search for original innovations. This trend culminated in the avant-garde movements of the 1920s and 1960s.
• Social art tends to denounce social or political problems. Miguel Hernandez and Rafael Alberti stand out in this area.

The Twentieth Century in Spain

From 1900 to the Civil War (1900–1936)

The Restoration of the Bourbon monarchy ended in 1902 with the regency of Maria Cristina.

• Alfonso XIII's reign (1902–1931) is marked by significant social and regional tensions.
• The dictatorship of Primo de Rivera (1923–1930) began with a coup that suspended the constitution and political freedoms.
• The Second Republic (1931–1936) was a period of great instability.
• The Civil War (1936–1939) began with a military revolt against the republican government and remains one of the most tragic periods of the century.

After the Civil War

• Franco's regime (1939–1975). This period had two stages: between 1940 and 1950, there was a climate of international isolation following the war. Beginning in 1960, economic development allowed for some liberalization.