The Age of Extremes facts for kids

The Age of Extremes: The Short Twentieth Century, 1914–1991 is a book written by Eric Hobsbawm that came out in 1994. In this book, Hobsbawm shares his thoughts on what he saw as big problems with different ways countries were run, like communism, capitalism, and nationalism. He also wondered about how much art and society really improved in the second half of the 1900s.

Hobsbawm called the time from the start of World War I to the end of the Soviet Union "the short twentieth century." This name connects to his idea of "the long 19th century," which was the period from the French Revolution in 1789 to the start of World War I in 1914. The Age of Extremes is the last book in a series. His other books include The Age of Revolution, The Age of Capital, and The Age of Empire. In the United States, the book was also known as A History of the World, 1914–1991.

What is The Short Twentieth Century?

Eric Hobsbawm, a famous historian, used the term "the short twentieth century" to describe a specific period in history. This period started in 1914 with the beginning of World War I. It ended in 1991 when the Soviet Union broke apart. He believed these two events marked the true start and end of the 20th century's most important era.

Why is it "Short"?

Hobsbawm called it "short" because he felt the major changes and conflicts of the 20th century fit neatly into these years. Before 1914, the world was still shaped by 19th-century ideas. After 1991, a new global era began. This idea helps us understand history by looking at big shifts rather than just calendar years.

Main Ideas in the Book

In The Age of Extremes, Hobsbawm explores many important topics from the 20th century. He looks at how different political and economic systems worked, and sometimes failed.

Challenges of Political Systems

Hobsbawm discussed how communism, capitalism, and nationalism faced big problems.

• Communism: This system aimed for a society where everyone was equal and shared resources. However, Hobsbawm pointed out that in practice, countries like the Soviet Union faced many difficulties and did not achieve their goals.
• Capitalism: This system relies on private ownership and free markets. While it led to economic growth, Hobsbawm also noted its challenges, such as economic crises and inequality.
• Nationalism: This is a strong feeling of pride in one's own country. While it can unite people, Hobsbawm showed how extreme nationalism often led to conflicts and wars, like those seen in the two World Wars.

Changes in Society and Culture

Hobsbawm also looked at how society and culture changed during this time. He was cautious about whether these changes always meant progress. He explored how art, music, and daily life transformed, but he questioned if these transformations always made things better for everyone.

About the Author

Eric Hobsbawm (1917–2012) was a British historian. He was known for his writings on the 19th and 20th centuries. His books often looked at history from a global perspective. He tried to understand the big forces that shaped the world. The Age of Extremes is one of his most famous works. It helps readers understand the complex events of the 20th century.