Progress In The 19th Century

Progress

Western civilizations took on many changes during the so called “long” 19th century (1789-1914). These changes were all thought out to be for the better. Some turned out productive and some did not, but even the mistakes led to progress. Sometimes you have to take two steps back to take three steps forward. Continuous progress only exists through setbacks because you have to know what is not right or not working in order to fix something. During this time of progressivism (political direction in favor of progress for a better future), breakthroughs in understanding of freedom, economic productivity, government roles, gender positions, entertainment, communication, and science and technology to improve standard of living altered western civilization. Western Civilization did experience unbridled and continuous progress in all significant aspects of life because of the social, economic, intellectual, and political advances that were put forth.

Change and progress was all about making the standard of living better. During this period of progress big changes and little changes were executed that made life that much better. The industrial revolution was a big sign of progress. Even though it started in the 18th century it definitely leaked over into the 19th century to pave the way for continuing modernization. The industrial revolution began in England and Europe because of the many new inventions and factories that were being produced to complete tasks or to go about doing new things. Development in cultivation increased food availability and this increased the population in England. Population increases only increased business revenue because the demands of more people. Financial changes like central banking and stock mar...

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...was survival of the fittest. The people who had survived reproduced kids or offspring that were fit for the environment because of the passed along genes from the fittest. As species have adapted more and more to their environment, this has led to them producing offspring that have the traits to survive and this cycle goes on and on. This idea by Darwin was called the theory of evolution. Darwin’s thought processes led to Gregor Mendell learning how traits are passed down. He started his work in the science of genetics. There were also advances in chemistry and physics. John Dalton came up with theories that included matter is made of tiny particles called atoms, and elements contain only one kind of atom that has a specific weight. With the findings from John Dalton Dmitri Mendeleev assembled the periodic table of elements that were organized by weights. Advances