The History of the Twentieth Century 001 Age of Empires
4 snips
Sep 13, 2015 The podcast discusses the challenges faced by the British Empire and the United States at the turn of the 20th century, advancements in communication and technology in the 19th century, the formation of the German Empire and its contrasting leadership styles, the Qing Dynasty's use of the Manchu hairstyle to assert dominance, Japan's rise and geopolitical tensions with Russia, and the significance of empires and changing perceptions throughout history.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
State of the World in 1901
- The British Empire was the most powerful entity in 1901, controlling 20-25% of the world.
- Both the US and Britain were engaged in colonial wars, despite optimism among citizens.
19th Century Progress
- The 19th century witnessed rapid technological advancements, connecting the world through underwater cables and steam power.
- While innovations like automobiles and radios existed, they were novelties, and horses remained the primary mode of transportation.
Predicting the Future
- Edward Bellamy's 'Looking Backward' depicted a utopian 2000 where poverty was eradicated.
- This sparked a trend of future speculation, giving rise to science fiction literature.