9. The emergence of "modern" architecture, art, literature, and music
(throughout the 1900's)
New technologies transformed
the appearance of buildings and cities and the lives of their citizens.
These technologies led to the creation of skyscrapers, mass transit,
air conditioning, electric lights, and a spare style of design that
rejected elaborate ornament in favor of sleek functionalism. In most
of the arts, experimental and highly sophisticated innovations led to
complicated and boldly creative works that appealed to an educated elite
but often seemed unintelligible or even offensive to ordinary people.
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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."
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