Introduction
From the years 1910 to 1919, the world saw itself in a state of conflicts, technological improvements, and revolutionary human beings. In simple words, the 1910's was a busy decade for our world. For instance, in this decade, World War I had occurred and the first few tanks were invented. In this informative blog, you will discover and realize many interesting topics of the 1910’s that might have shaped the way your life is today. As a result, it will be a great pleasure if you can write me some comments. Many thanks-Ja
Events
World War I (1914-1918)
World I was a major world conflict in which most European countries took part in, along with industrialized United Sates and Japan. According to the European history, it was considered to be one of the most lethal wars ever. What started this serious conflict? It was the assassination of Austrian-Hungarian Archduke Francis Ferdinand that triggered the war instantly. Also, there were already some rivalries and upheavals among the major European countries. When the First World War finally came to an end, in 1918, the central powers, which consisted of Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy, and the Ottomans, lost their large empires. More than 10 million people died and 20 million more were wounded. In addition, most countries that took part in that war, at that point, also suffered with their exhausted economies. This really was a serious issue because it reduced the European powers that used to dominate others countries. However, the United States, although also suffering economically, transformed into a significant world power after it defeated Germany in the last few years of the war. The negative impact of War World I also proved evidential that the European Alliance system was inefficient and unsuccessful. Originally, the war started out between Austria-Hungary and Serbia. Soon, many more countries were dragged into the war due to the helping promises they made to each other. Lastly, War World I was also triggered of the rise of the Russian Revolutions of 1917.
(The picture above shows the diffrent types of warfare used in Russa.)
Russian Revolutions of 1917
The Russian Revolutions of 1917 centered on two influential revolutions: the October Revolution and the February revolution. Based on the Julian calendar, The February Revolution began on February 23 and ended on the 27th (March 8- 12). The First War World had left Russia with an economic crisis. As the women protested, men workers also joined in the riot. Soon, the situation developed into a more serious stage. Soldiers, mostly pleasant, joined the group, and began their offence. The February Revolution completely terminated the Romanov Dynasty (Tsar Era) of Russia. Emperor Nicholas II, the last Tsar in Russian was forced to abdicate his thrown. As a result, a Provisional government formed in which democratic elections was still performed. The Provisional government also promised economic reform and land reform. However, the Provisional Government was weak, and slowly the Soviets increased their powers which leaded to the October Revolution. The October Revolution lasted from November 07, 1917 to November 08, 1917 (standard calendar).The October Revolution was a revolution of great significant. The Soviets, headed by Lenin, soon took over the Provisional government. As a result, Russia became known as the Union of Soviet Socialists Republics (USSR). At this point, Russia also ended its democracy, and began its Communist regime. Russia is also the first formed Communist country in the whole world. The October Revolution also helped transformed Russia into one of the world’s most powerful country. This eventually leaded to a major conflict between the USSR and the Unite Sates. The USSR was competing against the Americans in political and military domination.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russian_Revolution_of_1917
(The picture aboves showed Russian soldired marching on the streets of Moscow)
Titanic Disisater(Midnight of April 12, 1912)
Nobody expected that a colossal ship like the RMS Titanic would sink into the middle of the icy ocean just on its first expedition. In fact, it was stated that the Titanic was unsinkable because it bears 16 watertight compartments. Unfortunately, these watertight compartments were useless when the Titanic struck a huge ice berg that severely damaged its structure, causing it to sink in less than 3 hours. The Titanic Disaster was one of the worst disasters ever recorded in human history. More than 1513 people died of the 2,200 boarded. The disaster was also a perfect example of man-made errors. The disaster might have not occur if the captain would have consider the ice warnings through his radio or if there were enough life boats provided for all the passengers. In addition, if the radio operator of the Californian ship would have stayed on duty then lots of people would have be saved. After the titanic disaster, there were many important changes made on sea-traveling policies. Soon after the disaster, the International Convention of the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) was set up to enhance the safety of all ships out in the sea. SOLAS organized ship to patrol the Atlantic Ocean and locate icebergs. The organization also regulated that all ships must support enough lifeboats for all passengers, and that radio operators were to be at their duties 24 hours. The Titanic Disaster also influenced the way engineer design their ships. New ships produced after the Titanic Disaster, received a double hull structure and heightened bulkheads. In the end, the Titanic Disaster also inspired many filmmakers, writers, and sea expeditions later on. For instant, the movie Titanic released in 1997 featuring Leonardo DiCaprio became a huge success. The Titanic Disaster had definitely made itself into legend due it huge influence in the real world.
http://www.jesus-is-savior.com/Basics/titanic-news-newyork2.jpg (The picture above is an issue of the April 16, 1912 of the New York Times indicating the Titanic Disaster)
People
Vladimir Ilyich Lenin
Vladimir Ilyich Lenin was one of Russia’s greatest revolutionaries. Lenin believed that Marxism would work best for Russia and saw the need of a change in the Russian society. His major intention was to completely transform Russia into a Communist state, helping the majority of workers and pleasants. In his writing Imperialism, the Highest Stage of Capitalism, Lenin stated that capitalist countries have leaded to WWI due to fact that they sought to expand their empires. This showed that he did not like the idea of capitalism. As a result, he leaded the Russian revolutions of 1917 in which the Russian Tsars were overthrown. After the revolution, Lenin also formed the Russian Communist Party (later became known as the Soviet Union) and launched the Red Terror campaign which was meant to eliminate all of his political enemies. In addition, Lenin also formed the Communist International (Comintern) which was an international organization promoting communist revolutions worldwide. Lenin really did believe in communism. He had become a figurehead that had influenced other communist revolutions throughout the world such as in China and Cuba. He also helped transformed Russia into one the world’s most powerful country. Without him, Russia wouldn’t havebe the way it is.(This picture above is a portrait of Lenin).
Albert Einstein
German-American Albert Einstein had an exceptional talent in mathematics and science. He was probably the smartest and the most well known scientist in the world. Born in 1897 into a Jewish family, Albert spent his childhood studying in Munich. During this time, he was already showing curiosity towards the study of nature and mathematics. After he finished secondary school, he attended the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich. It was in the year 1916 when Albert published his influential theory of general relativity. This theory combined with Newton’s earlier discoveries, became the basic explanation of gravitation that is still used nowadays. In his theory of relativity, Albert explained the relation between matter, time, and space. He also stated how gravity affects the motions of a matter. In addition, his theory also discussed how gravity affects the orbital motion of a planet, and how gravity causes the bending of lights together. This was proved true by the solar eclipse that occurred in 1919. Later on, Albert Einstein also furthered his studies in physics and gravity. He also released many more mathematical formulas that helped engineers, scientists, etc. of his decade and of present time. Albert truly had dedicated his life into science. Through his magnificent achievements, he had made himself a global celebrity and a Nobel Prize winner. Today, when we think of science, we think of Albert Einstein. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Albert_Einstein_Head.jpg (This pciture above is a photograph of Albert Einstein.)
Charlie Chaplin
Charlie Chaplin dedicated his life into acting. He was probably the greatest actor in all of history. Charlie Chaplin, also referred to as Sir Charles Spencer Chaplin Jr., was a global celebrity. He was both an actor and a director. He also produced and composed some of the tunes in his movies. Since he was young, Chaplin began performing mimes and singing in music halls. He also acted in some early movies. It was in the year 1914 when he made known to the world his Tramp character. His tramp character who was always seen in baggy pants and a bowler hat became a lifelong icon in the film-making industry. His Tramp character also represented the change that Charlie went through from a stage performer to a professional actor on screen. In addition, Charlie was also famed for being a tragicomedian when performing as Tramp. As Tramp, he also did a great job representing the concept of having individual freedom and love for humanity. Through his lifetime achievements, Charlie had presented himself as a very influencing person. He was like a comedy missionary, spreading his funny acts to everybody in the world. Without him, Hollywood would not be the way it is. Without him, there would be no true comedy in this world. Lastly, without him, there would be no inspirations.
http://www.myclassiclyrics.com/artist_biographies/Charlie_Chaplin_Biography.jpg (The picture above is a portrait of Charlie Chaplin.)
Technological Improvments
Stainless Steel (1913)
Although Dr W. H. Hatfield was credited for inventing the first stainless steel, it was Harry Berry who actually produced the world’s first fine stainless steel in 1913. As Harry sought for a solution to erosions that occurred in gun barrels, he finally came up with the knowledge of stainless steel and professionally crafted them. The development of stainless steel resulted in great technological improvements. Due to its special ability to resist rust and corrosion, stainless steel rapidly became a standard building-material in the industry. It was widely used in the construction of towering skyscrapers and many ordinary houses. For example, the PETRONAS (Twin Towers) Towers in Malaysia were almost completely constructed off stainless steel in its exterior structure. In addition, the Gateway Arch in Missouri was also completely constructed of stainless steel. Stainless steels are also used in building gates, windows, and walls. In addition, many consumer products nowadays are also constructed of stainless steel. Some of these products might be your watch, refrigerator, television, and your laptop. In the hand, stainless steel had also been presented in art. Many famous sculptors preferred to sculpt their sculptures out of stainless steel. Stainless steel had definitely influenced us. It played a big role in modern architecture and basically, the whole modern world. First Tank (1914)
When the first tank was developed and back in 1914, it was widely used in the military for warfare purposes. There is not an exact person creditable for inventing the tank. The British army had long came up with the idea of a landship which is basically an armored vehicle with a gun torrent. Early tanks have played a big role in the First War World. They were used to break enemy lines and to penetrate through the fortification of the trenches. For example, the British deployed 400 tanks in the Battle of Cambria which successfully broke through the German lines. Later, during the Second World War, Tanks became even more important due to their effectiveness and ability of mass destruction. They were numerously used in the battlefields, and they basically became the center of an infantry unit. In an infantry unit, the tank is like the mother while the soldiers are the children. Presently, tanks have become more technologically advanced. They are still popularly used as a standard tool in all militaries to ensure and support the safety of infantry units.
http://img.search.com/c/cd/300px-British_Mark_IV_Tadpole_tank.jpg
(The pciture above shows the Mark IV tank used in the British army.)
Others
Picasso's Still Life with Chair Caning (1912)
Still Life with Chair Caning was one of Picasso’s greatest paintings. In this painting, Picasso totally change the way he usually craft an art work. Without using the traditional oil paint, Picasso pasted newspapers, cloths, and other materials to form Still Life with Chair Caning. This painting was also very influential because it changed the ways people look at cubism and art. Later in the 20th century, this painting became very famous in popular culture due to the unique ways it was crafted.
(This picture shown above is Picasso’s painting of Still Life with Chair Caning.)
Oreo Cookies (1912)
The Oreo cookies were first made and sold in the year of 1912. His creator was Nabisco who thought biscuits in the market at that time were too ordinary. When he first released his Oreo cookies, people thought they were too special. Yes, the Oreo cookies were considered expensive and cool back then. Later on, he also added the cream into the middle of the cookies in which many people like. The Oreo cookies really did break the barrier in the field of cookies-making. Everybody, especially children, love them because it was a unique cookie with two yummy layers and a sweet cream in between. The Oreo cookies definitely gave all of us happiness. Today, it is still one of the most beloved cookies around the world.
(The picture above is an example of Nabisco’s Oreo cookies.)
The Birth of a Nation (1915)
One of the greatest movies in the American film-industry was The Birth of a Nation. It was directed by D.W. Griffith who was known as the father of motion picture due to his filmmaking skills and lifetime achievements. The Movie The Birth of a Nation talked about the struggle and encounter s of a Southern Family throughout the American Civil War and Reconstruction. This movie was considered one of the best films in history due to the fact that it featured many new technical improvements. The movie itself was filmed in many different types of camera angel such as close-ups. In addition, the movie also featured the first crosscutting technique, in which story lines jump back and forth. According to box office, the movie gained more than 10 million dollars at that time which would now worth more than 200 million dollars. Although The Birth of a Nation became a huge impact in the filmmaking-industry, it also created many negative events. The movie promoted racial discrimination against the black, and so it triggered lots of racial movements against the black throughout America, especially in the south. Nevertheless, the movie is still a piece a diamond that inspired others movies later on in the century.
The picture shown above is an original cover of D.W.’s Griffith’s The Birth of a Nation.)
Pop-Up Toaster (1919)
The first automated pop-up toaster was invented in 1919. It was Charles Strite who invented this very beloved equipment due to fact that he was annoyed by burnt breads served in restaurants. Although Strite invented the pop-up toaster for personal uses, later on he started selling them for commercial purposes. The invention of the automated pop-up toaster had provided us with a very convenient way of toasting of our breads. We do not need to waste our time on checking on those breads anymore. In addition, the pop-up toaster also pretty much prevented bread burnt. Today, the pop-up toaster is widely used in restaurants, ordinary households, and anywhere where people wish to toast their breads happily. (The picture above is an example of a modern day )
“Lenin. October. Power to soviets. Peace to the nations. Land to peasants. Factories to workers.” This poster presents an illustration of Vladimr Ilyich Lenin standing up in a dignified, revolutionary posture. The message is based on his simple but effective slogan of the revolution, “Peace, Land, Bread.” The posted is basically speaking that through a communist revolution, Russia would be out of the war, lands would be distributed to the peasants, and there would be enough food for everyone. In the end, by achieving “Peace, Land, Bread”, there would no more sufferings for the people. The red colored sickle and hammer in the background represents the Soviets and communism in general. The colour white symbolizes peace and hope. The poster is especially effective with the large, eye-catching text. The text stands out in red and is very simple. Lenin majestic posture with his hand pointing up is also very inspirational. 
“Let us strengthen the class solidarity and cooperation of all communists of all countries in the struggle for peace and socialism.” This poster presents a man waving a flag with the faces of the fundamental figures of communism. The three faces on the flag belong to Karl Marx, Friedrich Engels, and Lenin. The message of the poster is to promote communism and the socialistic society it creates. The poster wants the people in all communist countries to work together for peace and socialism. It wants everybody to fall into the same class by working equally and sharing equal wealth. The message is conveyed through the banner held by the majority (working class), located at the bottom of the poster, and by the big man waving the flag. The banners say: peace, work, socialism, disbarment, for social progress, and no racism. The man, by waving the red flag with the faces of communist thinkers, is glorifying the idea of a communal, socialistic society. The poster is effective because of the influencing faces on the flag, especially Karl Marx. In addition, the positive text on the banners also grabs people attention.
“Our era calls- forward! The five year plan calls-forward!” The message of this poster is that it’s time for the Soviet Union to rise and become a world major industrial power. It is basically encouraging the people of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics to work efficiently in order to increase agricultural and industrial production. The poster also tries to get the people to think that it is their duty to labor accordingly in order to succeed the five-year plans. The message is conveyed by the robust man wearing a soviet working suit and holding the red flag. The muscular figure of the man symbolizes the need of strong workers. The fact that he is holding a red flag also indicates that everybody should work for the benefits of the whole nation. The poster is effective because of the strong, proud appearance of the man and the soviet symbol on his suit. He seems to express loyalty, gratitude, and pride towards his nation which is very persuasive. In addition, the color of the poster is also very bright and although the text is simple, it’s actually quite meaningful.
This poster illustrates Joseph Stalin, leader of the Union of the Soviet Socialist Republics. The message of the poster is that Stalin is an all-powerful, all-knowing, and heavenly leader. The poster is trying to make the people believe that Stalin is a compassionate, caring, and respected ruler. Basically, the poster tries to brainwash the people that he’s a warm-hearted ruler rather than an evil dictator. In the poster, young beautiful girls are portrayed looking up admiring at a picture of Stalin with flowers in their hands. The flower symbolizes fondness and love. The poster show that the girls have respect for him; that they look up to him as a wise leader. The poster is effective due the big white text which was an especially an eye-catching feature of the poster. The white stands out from the red background. In addition, the poster is even more persuasive by the way the young girls look up at Stalin’s picture admiringly and appreciatively.
“We will give our knowledge, experience and mastery to the (communist) Party and to the Motherland.” The message of this poster is that the workers of the USSR are dutiful and committed in working hard for the nation. The poster is trying to persuade the people to work hard and perform their tasks for the benefits of the state. The message is conveyed by the proud figure who is holding a ruler over his heart while his other hand rests on a blueprint. The fact that the ruler is positioned over his heart symbolizes the devotion towards his work. His other hand placed on the blueprint indicates his responsibilities in accomplishing his job. His confident posture also makes him look like a determined, honoured worker. In addition, the text and his apron are red, which symbolizes the Soviet Union. The poster is effective because the delighted man in the poster is a member of the working class and so other workers would follow his example, becoming a proud worker like him. The red text is also very noticeable and understandable.
" We, the October's children of our homeland, are faithful to the wise legacy of Lenin” The poster is demonstrating that the younger generation (the children) of the USSR have high respect for Lenin himself and the revolution he successfully leaded which changed Russia into a communist state. In general, the poster is trying to convince the people to think that the communist revolution that Lenin leaded was beneficial; that he had made a positive change for the country to better equipped the younger generation. The poster also wants the people to praise and look up to Lenin for transforming Russia into the first communist country. The reddish star in the background symbolizes communism. The fact that young girl is holding up proudly a group of flowers also indicates that she is loyal to Lenin and communism. The poster is particularly effective with the use of only children images. In the background, there is a cute picture of baby Lenin in the star. This attracts attention and sets a peaceful, positive attitude. Also, the big, red star itself also stands out. http://posters.nce.buttobi.net/big/0387.jpg
