Age of Anxiety Flashcards

La Belle Époque

A period in late 19th century France characterized by cultural flourishing and economic prosperity.

Fin de Siècle

A French term meaning 'end of the century,' often associated with a sense of cultural and moral decay.

Age of Anxiety

A term describing the period marked by widespread uncertainty and societal changes in Europe from 1871 to 1914.

Nationalism

Increased loyalty to one's government or nation, often leading to a desire for independence or dominance.

Welfare state

A government system that provides social services such as healthcare, housing, and education to its citizens.

Existentialism

A philosophical movement emphasizing individual existence, freedom, and choice, often confronting absurdity.

Fabian Socialism

An approach to socialism advocating for gradual change through reform rather than revolution.

Nihilism

The belief that life is without objective meaning, purpose, or intrinsic value.

Psychology

The scientific study of the human mind and behavior, particularly the influence of the unconscious.

Freud's Iceberg Theory

A model of the mind suggesting that the unconscious is vast compared to the conscious mind, with three parts: Id, Ego, and Superego.

Radicalism

A political ideology advocating for thorough or complete political or social reform.

Social Democrats

A political group advocating for social justice within a democratic framework, often emphasizing workers' rights.

Anti-Semitism

Prejudice against, hatred of, or discrimination against Jews.

Industrialization

The process of developing industries in a country or region on a wide scale.

Militarism

The belief in building up strong armed forces to prepare for war.

Urbanization

The process of making an area more urban, characterized by population shift from rural to urban areas.

Materialism

A tendency to consider material possessions and physical comfort as more important than spiritual values.

Modernism

A cultural movement embracing human empowerment and rejecting traditionalism.

Liberalism

A political ideology that emphasizes individual rights, democracy, and free market.

Consumerism

A social and economic order that encourages the acquisition of goods and services in ever-increasing amounts.

Chaos

A state of utter confusion or disorder; a total lack of organization.

Relativity

Einstein's theory that states that the laws of physics are the same for all non-accelerating observers.