This essay examines the defining features of the Modern and Postmodern periods in history, broadly spanning the mid-18th century to the present. It surveys major political developments — including the democratic revolutions of the 18th century and the rise of totalitarian ideologies in the 20th century — alongside transformative economic and technological shifts such as the Industrial Revolution, life-saving medical discoveries, and weapons of mass destruction. The essay also addresses the declining influence of religion, the emergence of liberation movements, and the far-reaching effects of globalization and the Information Age, including both the opportunities and risks they present.
Most historians term the era following the Middle Ages and the Early Modern Period — that is, after the mid-18th century — as the Modern Period in history. It is a period that has seen tremendous changes in politics, science, economics, commerce, society, and technology. Some of the salient features of the Modern and Postmodern periods are examined below.
The American Revolution (1776) and the French Revolution (1789) were significant political and social developments in the later part of the 18th century. They signaled the weakening of monarchical power and ushered in new standards for governance and society — ideals such as democracy, liberty, equality, and fraternity — that have empowered ordinary people and come to symbolize the Modern Age.
This new form of government is typified by the United States of America, which adopted a constitution that guaranteed the inalienable rights of its citizens and established a system of checks and balances among the different branches of government: the legislature, the judiciary, and the executive.
Ironically, the trend toward liberalism and democracy was reversed in the early 20th century, when various totalitarian ideologies such as Bolshevism and Fascism emerged. The Bolshevik Revolution in Russia, in the wake of the First World War, attempted to create a classless society by forcibly modernizing the age-old serfdom that had existed within a traditional feudal structure.
Concurrently, an alternate right-wing totalitarian system — Fascism — emerged in Europe, emphasizing nationalism, a mythologized past, and strong authoritarian leadership as solutions to contemporary problems. Fascism succeeded in gaining power in Italy, Spain, and Germany during the interwar period, and Fascist movements also arose in other European countries.
"Industrialization and transformative modern inventions"
"Secularization and emergence of liberation movements"
"Internet, world trade, and global culture risks"
Always verify citation format against your institution’s current style guide requirements.