Modernism Flashcards
Modernism
A cultural movement during the early 1900s, people went against traditional ideals and promoted technology and forms of expression that were different and unique to the current time. Modernism believes that there are multiple valid perspectives and truths that go against the cut dry thinking of religion and the Enlightenment.
Optimism & Anxiety for Modernism
The combination of belief in progress and advancement brought about by modern technology and ideas, alongside a growing sense of unease and uncertainty of rapid change, including alienation, loss of meaning, and the potential for destruction caused by the very forces driving progress.
Multiple Perspectives in Modernism
The idea that modernist artists, writers, and thinkers explored the world through a variety of viewpoints, often challenging traditional perspectives and absolute truths by incorporating diverse experiences, social critiques, and individual interpretations of reality.
Male Insecurity
As the workforce shifted towards more white-collar jobs, men had to a re-evaluate what constituted as “masculine” behavior. Women were asserting themselves in new ways in the 1920s with more visibility of women in public and women’s suffrage.
Charles Darwin
A British naturalist who developed the theory of evolution by natural selection. Darwin’s theory challenged the established religious beliefs of The Creation and promoted a more scientific understanding of human origins.
Social Darwinism
The application of ideas about evolution and “survival of the fittest” to human societies - particularly as a justification for imperialism, social inequality, racism, and lassaiz-faire Capitalism.
Friedrich Nietzsche
A nihilist German philosopher, who famously stated that ‘God is dead’ to express the decline of traditional religious and moral values in the face of modernity. Nietzsche criticized traditional morality and Christianity and rejected the Doctrine of Equality, including Christianity (Souls), Democracy (Voice), and Socialism (Wealth).
Übermenseh
A person who rises above societal norms and embrace personal strength and creativity to create their own meaning in life. The person embodies the Master Morality, of being celebrated for being strong, proud, and above hierarchy rather than Slave Morality, that values meekness, altruism, and humility.
Sigmund Freud
An Austrian neurologist and the founder of psychoanalysis, a clinical method for treating psychopathology through dialogue between a patient and a psychoanalyst. Freud’s theories significantly challenged Victorian social norms by introducing open discussions about sexuality, repression, and mental health.
Id, Ego, Superego
Freud’s model of the human psyche which interacts to shape behavior. His exploration of the unconscious mind revealed that human behavior is often driven by hidden desires and conflicts that go against societal norms that humans are rational creatures.
Id
The part alive with sexual energies pushing instinctual rather than rational behavior. It is entirely unconscious and demands immediate gratification (Pleasure Principle).
Ego
The part centered on realistic activity to survive. It acts as a mediator between the demands of the id with the constraints of reality (reality principle).
Superego
The part that acts as the conscience. It incorporates societal rules and values to the mind, striving for perfection (Morality Principle).
Dreyfus Affair
The Dreyfus Affair was a political scandal in France that involved the wrongful conviction of Captain Alfred Dreyfus, a Jewish officer in the French Army, for treason in 1894. A list of French military documents (Bordereau) were found in a wastebasket of the German Embassy in Paris. Dreyfus was suspected as his handwriting matched the documents but Major Ferdinand Walsin Esterhazy was the culprit and had a major motive.
“J’accuse…”
A publication of Émile Zola’s open letter ‘J’Accuse…!’ In 1898 criticizing the military’s actions brought international attention to the wrongful conviction of Jewish officer Alfred Dreyfus, accusing them of anti-Semitism and a cover-up.
Zionist Movement
A political movement formally established by Theodore Herzl that aimed to establish a Jewish homeland in the region of Palestine, primarily driven by the desire to create a safe haven for Jews facing widespread antisemitism in Europe.
Dreyfusards and Anti-Dreyfusards
Dreyfusards: People who supported Alfred Dreyfus and are against his wrongful conviction.
Anti-Dreyfusards: Defended the military establishment and promoted anti-Semitic sentiments.
