What are some of the social and scientific developments that influenced modernism? give examples of development during that time

1 answer

1. Industrialization and urbanization: The rapid growth of cities and industries in the late 19th and early 20th centuries led to a shift in societal values and attitudes. This change in lifestyle, from rural agrarian societies to urban industrial societies, influenced the way people thought and created art.

2. The rise of psychology: The emergence of psychology as a scientific discipline, particularly the psychoanalytic theories of Sigmund Freud, influenced modernist artists and writers to explore the subconscious mind, dreams, and the complexities of human psyche in their work.

3. Technological advancements: The inventions and discoveries of the time, such as the telephone, radio, airplane, and cinema, revolutionized communication and transportation, allowing for greater connectivity and exchange of ideas among artists and thinkers.

4. World War I: The devastation of World War I shattered traditional beliefs and values, leading many artists and writers to question the meaning of life, the nature of reality, and the role of art in a rapidly changing world.

5. The Harlem Renaissance: The cultural movement known as the Harlem Renaissance, which emerged in the 1920s and 1930s, showcased the talents of African American artists, writers, and musicians, challenging traditional racial stereotypes and contributing to the diversity and richness of modernist art.

Overall, these social and scientific developments influenced modernism by challenging conventions, pushing boundaries, and redefining artistic expression in the early 20th century.