UNIV 3539 Blog

The program is called the "Age of Hope" because the anticipation of a better quality of life for the people of Europe had sparked a widespread belief of resilience and drive for social change. As stated in the readings, ?The dawn of the twentieth century was steeped in hope and optimism. It was a new age of enlightenment: the extension of education, the emergence of mass communication, and new mobility -- all would revolutionize and enrich modern life.? These advancements in technology, also known as the Industrial Revolution, gave promise that their current disposition would soon falter and sovereignty would prevail. For example, during the program, the construction of the Titanic was viewed as on the most marveled and phenomenal contrivance of the modern era. It was believed that this great ship would transport oppressed individuals from totalitarianism to a paradise in America, until its fateful sinking which still haunts the remaining survivors today. This era also marked the significant beginnings of political and social change. The population?s eagerness for political and social change was like fighting an uphill battle. Between lobbying for social equality, for both African-American minorities and women, to escaping political and social persecution in Europe, people all over the world were beginning to develop a sense of liberalism. However, their hopes were not realized. In their quest for social equality, the population confronted the powers that be to guard their cultural diversity in a society that often demanded assimilation. In response to the pressure, the government offered the people protection to worker?s rights, and the extension of the right to vote, but this was all used in vain. These devices were actually pawns for manipulation. In summation, this apparatus gave the authorities control over the masses to gain momentum in the emerging society.