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20th Century

Definition

The 20th century encompasses the years from 1900 CE to 1999 CE. It was marked by significant global events including world wars, scientific advancements, social revolutions, and rapid technological progress.

Analogy

Picture the 20th century as a rollercoaster ride at an amusement park. Just like a rollercoaster has thrilling ups and downs, the 20th century was a period of dramatic highs (such as moon landing) and lows (like world wars), shaping the course of human history.

Related terms

Globalization: Globalization refers to the increasing interconnectedness and integration of economies, cultures, and societies worldwide.

Cold War: The Cold War was a geopolitical conflict between the United States and the Soviet Union that lasted from 1947 to 1991.

Industrialization: Industrialization is the process of transitioning from an agrarian-based society to one reliant on manufacturing and industrial production.

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AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.