1.Why is the 20th
century called the age of extremes?
Ans:Eric hobsbawn a historian called the 20th century the age of extremes.
*In this century fascism was growing strong because of its ideas of unquestioned power and hatred for other people.
*At the same time the need for democracy was also growing
*The average life expectancy rate was growing higher because of new discoveries in the field of medicine.
*Literacy levels also became high that is more people had access to better education.
*New art forms like movies were also invented.
*In the field of science new discoveries were made about life and atoms.
*More than a hundred countries became independent all over the world
*Some countries like a USSR are experimenting with socialism following planned development and ensuring equality and fraternity of all people.
*Some countries like the USA adopted liberal democracy which ensures political liberty and promotes capitalistic systems.
2. How can you say that aggressive nationalism led to World wars?
*Nationalism is a political ideology and the people have a strong feeling of their nation .
*The ideology of nationalism was a positive impulse many newly formed modern Nations were created in Europe because of people’s strong feelings of nationalism.
*Nationalism is the reason for the unification of Germany and Italy.
*But this positive ideology created pride in these Nations and hatred against neighbouring countries.
*This caused aggressive nationalism.
*Italian fascism and national socialism of German Nazizm were the other forms of aggressive nationalism.
*Fascists promoted aggressive nationalism and they wanted to rule the world. They also mobilize the Germans against the other nations of Europe. so it causes first and second world wars.
Social studies 