the age of anxiety - in class 2/10

The Age of Anxiety

• Definition: The turn of the century is often considered the "Age of Anxiety." It encompasses the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century.

• Contrast with the "Belle Époque": Some Europeans referred to this time as the "Beautiful Era," noting improvements in lifestyles and social conditions.

• Key Concepts: The period was marked by significant societal changes that brought about feelings of insecurity and anxiety among the population.

  • Change as a source of anxiety: Dramatic changes, even if positive (e.g., longer life expectancies, improved urban living), can lead to feelings of instability and insecurity.

  • Historical context: Anxiety arises from numerous factors—including political and social upheavals—between 1815 and the turn of the century.

Major Themes Contributing to Anxiety

Nationalism

• Definition: A powerful feeling of loyalty towards one’s nation or government.

• Impact: Heightened nationalism influenced collective identity and individual allegiance to national governments, spurring mass political movements.

• Context: Along with national unification movements, such as Italy and Germany, there were broader trends in governance that increasingly emphasized individual rights and education.

Mass Politics

• Definition: Refers to increased political participation among the general populace.

• Changes: Extension of voting rights allowed more citizens to engage politically.

• Modern politics evolved to focus on catering to the masses, requiring politicians to align their actions with public needs and desires.

• Challenges: Increased participation also brought division, as various societal segments competed for influence and representation.

Literacy and Education

• Increased Literacy: Growth in educational institutions led to higher literacy rates.

• Impact of Education: Greater literacy facilitated public engagement in the political and social spheres.

Emergence of the Welfare State

• Definition: Government efforts to improve the well-being of citizens through the provision of social services.

• Key Features: Policies such as health insurance and social security were championed, particularly in Germany, setting precedents for other nations.

• Dependence on Government: Societal expectation shifted towards reliance on governmental structures for support and welfare.

Consumerism and Material Prosperity

• Definition: The rising idea that success could be defined by material wealth and consumer goods.

• Context: This marked a shift in cultural values towards mass consumerism—favoring purchasing over production of goods.

• Urbanization: More people transitioned to urban centers, adopting consumerist lifestyles over traditional rural economies.

The Concept of the Irrational

• Emergence of New Ideas: In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, thinkers like Einstein, Freud, and Nietzsche introduced concepts that challenged previously accepted rational thought.

• Impact of the Irrational on Society: This philosophical shift contributed to a growing sense of anxiety as it questioned established truths and realities.

• Examples: Einstein's theories on physics contradicted Newtonian views, suggesting the universe was less predictable than assumed.

• The rise of psychology as a field of study pioneered by Freud highlighted the complexities of human thought and behavior, further exacerbating feelings of insecurity.

Concise Version

The Age of Anxiety

• Definition: The late 19th to early 20th century viewed as an "Age of Anxiety."

• Contrast with "Belle Époque": Improvement in lifestyles but significant societal changes led to insecurity.

Major Themes Contributing to Anxiety

1. Nationalism: Loyalty to the nation increased mass political movements.

2. Mass Politics: Greater political participation and voting rights, but increased societal division.

3. Literacy and Education: Growth in literacy facilitated political and social engagement.

4. Emergence of the Welfare State: Government programs for social support, shifting dependence on government.

5. Consumerism: Rising material wealth ideals with urbanization favoring consumerism.

6. The Concept of the Irrational: New ideas from thinkers like Einstein and Freud challenged rational thought, increasing societal anxiety.