AP Euro Unit 6 Review

Mass Society in an "Age of Progress," 1871–1894

Major Concepts

In the late nineteenth century, government policies underwent significant evolution, reflecting greater involvement in economic and social issues, which in turn led to a series of critical reforms aimed at addressing the challenges posed by the Second Industrial Revolution and the burgeoning wave of consumerism. This transformation had far-reaching implications for public health, education, and urban living conditions, marking a pivotal change in governance and the state’s role in individual lives.

During this period, there emerged numerous mass political movements and social organizations, all striving for various forms of reform. While some workers gravitated towards anarchism, which advocated for the dismantling of state structures, others sought to achieve socialist goals through gradual reform rather than outright revolution. This highlighted a significant ideological shift within labor movements, revealing diverse strategies in the pursuit of worker rights and societal change.

The bourgeois nuclear family was profoundly influenced by the pervasive notion of the "cult of domesticity," which reinforced traditional gender roles, portraying women as caretakers and homemakers while men were positioned as breadwinners. Despite these constraints, the quality of life for the working class witnessed improvement, fueled by increased leisure time stemming from changes in urban design and broader societal advancements.

In Germany, Otto von Bismarck’s diplomatic strategies, intended to maintain power and stability, began to falter following his dismissal in 1890. Simultaneously, land shortages and famines in Eastern Europe, particularly within Russia, impeded agricultural progress, exacerbating social tensions.

Thematic Questions

• What drives consumerism in the late 19th century and how does it influence European lifestyles?

• What reforms were implemented by governments to alleviate worker conditions in factories and homes?

• How did mass political movements contribute to societal changes across Europe?

• What distinguishes the philosophies of anarchists and evolutionary socialists from traditional socialism in their approach to political reform?

• How were male and female gender roles defined and enforced within the bourgeois family structure during this period?

• How did working-class families adapt their lifestyles and expectations in response to the rapid societal changes taking place?

• To what degree did political and social norms persist in Eastern Europe and Russia despite the overarching transition to modernity?

• How did Bismarck’s strategies manage to maintain a balance in political power up to 1890, and what factors ultimately led to their disintegration?

Overview of the Second Industrial Revolution

Economic and Social Life

The Second Industrial Revolution fundamentally transformed European society through the advent of new industries, notably steel, chemicals, electricity, and petroleum. These innovations, coupled with rising production levels, facilitated unprecedented population growth due to declining death rates and enhanced living conditions for many.

Key developments in this era included:

• Electrification: The introduction of electrical power revolutionized daily life, with widespread implementations in street lighting, home appliances, and industrial machines, drastically improving productivity.

• Internal Combustion Engine: Breakthroughs in this technology ignited the growth of the automobile and aircraft industries, reshaping personal and commercial transportation.

• Mass Communications: The invention of the telegraph and telephone transformed communication, enabling instantaneous information exchange, which was crucial for business operations and political movements.

Industrial Developments

Key Technologies

• Steel: The transition from iron to steel production revolutionized various industries. Steel became a critical material for machines, railways, and construction, significantly boosting both transportation and manufacturing capabilities. By 1913, countries like Germany and America had dramatically escalated their steel production.

• Chemicals: The chemical industry, particularly in Germany, expanded rapidly, leading to advancements in pesticides, fertilizers, and synthetic dyes, which reshaped agriculture and consumer products.

• Electricity: The widespread adoption of electrical generators transformed energy usage, triggering innovations like electric streetcars and providing a cleaner, more efficient power source for industries.

Emergence of Mass Society

Characteristics and Effects

With the rise of mass society emerged the concept of mass leisure, manifesting as weekend activities and new entertainment forms such as amusement parks, theaters, and sports events, which contributed to a culture of shared experiences among the populace.

Urban areas underwent significant expansions and redesigns to accommodate growing populations. Governments began to play essential roles in urban development and public welfare, investing in infrastructure improvements that enhanced public health through better sanitation, housing regulations, and urban planning that introduced green spaces and recreational areas.

Political Changes

Mass Politics and Reform

The late 19th century marked a period of intensified political democracy across Western Europe, characterized by broader voting rights and the emergence of numerous political parties. In Britain, for example, the Reform Acts significantly expanded the electorate, fostering a more inclusive political landscape and advancing democratic governance.

Social Structure

Class Divisions

European society became increasingly stratified; while the upper class maintained economic dominance, the middle class expanded considerably, buoyed by industrial growth. The working class, too, began to experience enhanced living standards through labor movements advocating for wage increases, better working conditions, and social reforms.

Role of Women

The changing economic landscape prompted notable shifts in women’s labor dynamics. Despite many women remaining confined to domestic roles dictated by the "cult of domesticity," new job opportunities began to emerge, particularly in clerical and service positions. Conversely, the rise of poverty and limited options also led some women into prostitution as a means of survival.

Urbanization

Response to Industrialization

As cities evolved in response to industrialization, governmental reforms aimed at improving living conditions and public health became crucial. Initiatives such as the establishment of parks, modern sanitation systems, and housing regulations played critical roles in fostering healthier and more sustainable urban environments for the ever-growing population.

Conclusion

The years between 1871 and 1894 were marked by profound transformations and challenges within European societies. The Second Industrial Revolution not only catalyzed significant material growth but also magnified class strife, altered women’s roles, and redefined political landscapes as nations navigated the complexities of modernity. This period laid the groundwork for future social movements and political developments that would continue to shape Europe into the twentieth century.

Evolutionary socialism is a political ideology that advocates for gradual change and reform within the existing political system, rather than advocating for a complete revolution. It emphasizes achieving socialist goals through democratic means and seeks to improve the lives of workers and the working class through legislative reforms. This approach contrasts with more radical socialists who believe in immediate and complete upheaval of the capitalist system.

Bernstein's ideas differ from Karl Marx’s in that he rejected the notion of an inevitable revolution and instead argued for a peaceful transition to socialism through reforms and parliamentary action. Bernstein believed that capitalism could evolve positively, allowing socialist principles to be incorporated slowly into society, whereas Marx held a more deterministic view where capitalism would ultimately collapse. This fundamental difference created a debate within the socialist movement about the best path towards achieving equality and workers' rights.

During the late-nineteenth century, various social and political forces converged, including the rise of the labor movement, industrialization, and increased literacy among the working class, which fostered political awareness. For example, trade unions emerged to advocate for workers' rights and better conditions, while political parties began to represent the interests of the working class. Additionally, the challenges posed by rapid industrialization and social inequality pushed many to explore reformist ideas, including evolutionary socialism, as solutions to these pressing issues.

Anarchy, as a political movement, advocates for the abolition of all forms of hierarchical authority, believing in self-governed societies free from centralized control. During this time period, anarchy was perceived as a viable option due to widespread discontent with oppressive governments, inequality, and the harsh realities of industrial life. This appeal was fueled by the hope that a stateless society would lead to true freedom, equality, and the end of exploitation.