There have been more changes during the 20th century than any other century in history. It is a century that has seen revolutions in every aspect of life-political, social, cultural, economic and technological. When The Century Was Young chronicles the events and transitions that occurred at the dawn of the 20th century. Using a global perspective, When The Century Was Young provides an excellent examination of the early years of the century that has seen the world evolve into a global village. The sophisticated historical, political, and cultural analysis provided by When The Century Was Young makes it an excellent tool for the more mature student. It is appropriate for high school and college. It would be useful for classes on World History, Political Science, Cultural History, Ethnic History, Women's History, Geography, and the History of Science and Technology.

Most Modern Times

Most Modern Times examines some of the most influential movements and advances of the early century, including the international quest for woman suffrage. Suffragettes around the globe fought to attain political and civic rights for women, but in most countries, it wasn't until after W.W.I that suffrage was attained. New technological advances changed the way people lived in the new century. Inventions and discoveries such as air travel, motion pictures, radio and electricity created a radical new lifestyle that was a distinct departure from the 19th century.

Vocabulary

• suffragette
• staunchly
• circumnavigate
• disrepute
• ardor
• omnipresent
• indicative
• pyre
• reconnoitered
• posterity
• conspicuous
• diagnostics
• causative
• zeppelin
• proxy
• hygiene
• cholera
• epidemic
• cumbersome
• epitomize

Discussion Questions

1. Women in most countries did not vote until the 20th century. Why did it take so long for women to achieve suffrage?
2. Why was the vote so vital to the lives of women?
3. What is meant by "passive resistance?" How did suffragettes use this method of demonstration to achieve their goals?
4. Although the suffrage movement began with passive resistance, it soon turned radical, especially in England. Why did the movement make this transition?
5. Women in most countries did not vote until after W.W.I. How did women's roles and efforts in the war contribute to the suffrage movement?
6. W.W.I created radical changes for women. What were some of these changes, and why did they occur?
7. How did industrialization provide new jobs and careers for women that did not exist in the 19th century?
8. What were some of the differences in women's roles and status between Western and Eastern cultures?
9. How did electricity change the lives of people?
10. Science and technology advanced at a rapid pace in the early century. What were some of the medical advances of the period?
11. The 20th century is the century of air travel. What difference has air travel made between the 19th and 20th centuries?
12. What has been the impact of film and movies in the 20th century?

Extended Activities

1. Create a picket sign that a suffragette might have carried.
2. Create a movie poster for a silent film.
3. Create a poster celebrating the trans-Atlantic flight of Charles Lindbergh.