Best Centuries in History
Although the scope of warfare expanded dramatically during the course of the 20th century, the developments that defined the periods of peacetime ultimately outweigh the costly destruction and significant loss of life. The Cold War could not have been executed more brilliantly, and the era of 1945 to 1991 yielded many, many fruits. Technologies that will be in use for the rest of the duration of the human race sprung forth from this ideologically competitive yet focused era.
The remaining years of the 1990s also saw amazing developments for our common humanity, particularly in medicine, art, and music. Yes, this century that concluded an otherwise difficult millennium alone redeems that entire 1000-year period and keeps us looking deeper and deeper into the next.
I love the 21st century because there's always something to do when you're bored, like going on a tablet or something.
Technology improved more after we hit the 21st century.
It must be good if we're still living in it.
This was THE game-changer century. People always talk about how much better off we are now, and while that is technically true, in terms of growth, social change, cultural development, scientific discovery, innovation, global increase of wealth, and expansions in art, music, literature, and history, there really is no other century that can compare.
If you look at conditions at the beginning and end of the century, it's almost literally night and day. Most other centuries are defined by changes in particular aspects. For example, the last half of the 20th century is largely characterized by advances in computer engineering and technology, and the first part of the 21st century is associated with the mobile technology boom. But the 19th century changed nearly everything you can name for the better. The fact that its effects are still felt today speaks to this.
Consider that some of the most recognizable architectural landmarks were built during this century: Big Ben, the Eiffel Tower, and Lady Liberty. Most of the beautiful old buildings you see in world cities were built during this time. Then consider that trains, airplanes, cars, and even the bicycle were invented or being invented during this time. Some of the most beloved literature came out of this era. Who here has read Les Misérables? Frankenstein? Edgar Allan Poe? Adventures of Huckleberry Finn? Moby-Dick? Oliver Twist? Jane Eyre? A Tale of Two Cities? Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea? Alice in Wonderland? No contest!
For some reason, people mire this century with the burdens of slavery, but when you think about it, this was the era that ended slavery, which had occurred for centuries before then. I'd say that deserves some praise more than anything. Even though there was still widespread inequality, women's suffrage and feminism began during this time. It deserves credit for that.
There are so many other things, like the first world's fair, and the invention or... more
It was the best century for art, fashion, and beauty - almost all of the positive things of society. Almost. Unfortunately, slavery was still a thing. And women weren't as equal as they were in the 20th century. But apart from that, they did everything right!
Even the year names sound great! 1700, 1770, love it.
The French Revolution was the best thing to happen to Europe.
The ladies were respected. The Three Musketeers takes place during this century. If guys in grade eight acted like the main characters, middle school would be heaven, not hell.
King Henry V of England had perhaps one of the best English storylines of all time.
The Newcomers
A century of peace, tremendous economic growth, and the greatest architectural feats that will ever be built.
This was the century that rocked.