FMPA221 1900s Icons&Styles of 20th Century Decades 1900s-1910s

Overview of the 1900s

  • The decade began on January 1, 1900, and ended on December 31, 1909.

  • Associated with the Edwardian era (1901–1910) in the UK.

  • Characterized as a leisurely time with distinct social classes, notably where women lacked voting rights.

Political Climate

  • Dominated by the Conservatives (Unionists) until 1906, aligned with imperialism and traditional hierarchy.

  • Emergence of the Labour Party from trade unions, formalized an alliance with Liberals in 1903.

  • Liberals lacked a unified ideology and faced internal conflicts.

Social Reforms

  • Liberal reforms between 1906–1911 included working hour regulations and National Insurance.

  • Trade Boards Act 1909 established minimum wages in several industries and expanded over time.

Technological Advancements

  • Introduction of the Kodak Brownie camera: affordable at $1 with low film processing costs.

  • Sigmund Freud published "The Interpretation of Dreams," introducing theories of the unconscious.

  • First Nobel Prizes awarded; Einstein proposed the Theory of Relativity.

Revolutionary Ideas

Albert Einstein's Annus Mirabilis (1905)

  • Published key papers on light, motion of small particles, special relativity, and mass-energy equivalence (E=mc²).

Cultural Milestones

  • The Wright Brothers completed first powered flight in Kitty Hawk, NC.

  • Released the first silent movie, "The Great Train Robbery."

  • Emergence of Fauvism in art led by Henri Matisse and Andre Derain.

Innovations

  • W.K. Kellogg's factory for producing Corn Flakes opened.

  • Sale of the first electric washing machine, ‘Thor.’

  • Release of the first production Model-T by Henry Ford.

  • First dirigible made its test flight.

Women’s Contributions

  • Mary Anderson invented the windshield wiper, significantly enhancing vehicle safety.

Dance Revolution

Isadora Duncan

  • Pioneered modern dance with a focus on free movement, diverging from ballet.

  • Emphasized beauty and humanity, influencing arts within and beyond dance.

Communication Milestone

  • Guglielmo Marconi's first successful radio message sent in 1897, paving the way for modern communication.

Fashion Trends

Women’s Fashion

  • Dominated by S-shaped silhouettes created by health corsets.

  • Practical "tailor-made" suits emerged alongside sports-inspired attire.

Men’s Fashion

  • Three-piece suits remained the primary daywear; neckties added color.

  • Sporting attire became more accepted in everyday fashion.

Children’s Fashion

  • Light colors and lace for girls’ dresses; boys wore longer suits and navy sailor suits.