6. The new physics (throughout the 1900's)

The field of physics was revolutionized by Albert Einstein's theories of relativity, the emergence of quantum mechanics, and the development of atomic and hydrogen bombs.

A new scientific description of the physical world emerged. This description contained ideas that challenged common sense and earlier science, such as: (1) Space is finite and is bent by gravity. (2) Light can be both a particle and a wave. (3) Physical events have to be described statistically, not by determinate cause- and-effect. (4) For subatomic systems, the observer can't stand outside the system to see it purely objectively.

These ideas and theories became visible in cyclotrons, accelerators, and other "atom smashers," but even more spectacularly and with terrifying power in nuclear and thermonuclear bombs. The fear that humankind's highest scientific achievements will destroy the world became very real, and politicians struggled to deal with the threat of nuclear war.

 

Donald G. Marshall is a Professor and the Head of the Department of English at the University of Illinois at Chicago. His top 10 events of the 1900's reflect a general historical approach. Professor Marshall emphasizes the impact of technology on the century and points out one chilling effect : "The fear that humankind's highest scientific achievements will destroy us becomes very real."

1.

The rise and fall of Communism in Russia (1917-1991)
2. The invention of electronic communications media (early to middle 1900's)
3. The collapse of colonialism and the struggle for racial equality (middle to late 1900's)
4.

The development of the automobile and the airplane (early 1900's)
5. The development of the computer (middle to late 1900's)
6. The new physics (throughout the 1900's)
7. The impact of World War II and the Holocaust (middle to late 1900's)
8. The development of biomedical science (mid-1900's)
9. The emergence of "modern" architecture, art, literature, and music (throughout the 1900's)
10. The outbreak of World War I (1914-1918)