Modernity and Empire: Art, Industry, and Global Power

Artistic and Architectural Evolution

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, architecture included the construction of utilitarian buildings like stations and factories, with the Chicago School building the first skyscrapers and Art Nouveau using nature-inspired, flowing shapes. Impressionism focused on capturing light and atmosphere with loose brushstrokes and pure colors. Post-Impressionism introduced new approaches to color, form, and objectivity. In the early 20th century, the first avant-garde movements emerged. Fauvism emphasized color independent of reality, Expressionism aimed to express emotion with arbitrary colors and dramatic themes, and Cubism broke down objects into geometric shapes and multiple viewpoints.

Glossary of Historical and Economic Terms

• Armed Peace: A state of tension where countries maintain military forces ready but are not actively at war.
• Taylorism: A system of scientific work organization to increase efficiency through task division and control.
• Fordism: A mass production model based on standardization and assembly lines to produce goods quickly.
• Combustion engine: A machine that generates motion by burning fuel to convert chemical energy into mechanical energy.
• Imperialism: A policy of expansion and domination by one country over others for economic and political control.
• Metropole: The central city or country that politically controls a colony or dependent territory.
• Protectorate: A territory with limited autonomy under the protection and political control of a foreign power.
• Concession: An agreement allowing a foreign company to exploit resources or trade within another territory.
• Colony: A territory directly ruled and administered by a foreign power.
• Berlin Conference: A meeting in 1884–85 where European powers divided Africa without consulting its peoples.
• Chicago School: An economic school of thought that promotes free markets and minimal state intervention.
• Art Nouveau: A decorative art style characterized by curved lines and natural motifs.
• Impressionism: An art movement capturing light and fleeting moments through loose brushwork.
• Avant-garde art: Innovative art that breaks with tradition and explores new forms of expression.