# modern period

> era from ca. 1500 until present

**Wikidata**: [Q3281534](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q3281534)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Modern_era)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/modern-period

## Summary
The modern period, spanning from approximately 1500 to the present, is a historical era characterized by significant global transformations, including the rise of industrialization, colonialism, and modern nation-states. It is subdivided into the early modern period (1500–1800) and the late modern period (1800–present), with further regional variations in historiography. This era marks the transition from pre-modern societies to contemporary global systems.

## Key Facts
- **Time Span**: ca. 1500–present.
- **Subdivisions**: 
  - Early Modern Period (1500–1800).
  - Late Modern Period (1800–present).
  - Contemporary History (1945–present, English historiography).
  - Newest History (1917/1918–present, German historiography).
- **Parent Categories**: History, Periodization.
- **Preceded By**: Postclassical Era.
- **Succeeded By**: Ongoing (no formal successor).
- **Related Academic Fields**: Academic discipline, Academic major, Historical period, Era.
- **Notable Historians**: Natalie Zemon Davis, Volker Berghahn, Heinz Schilling, Pierre Goubert, Ewald Frie.
- **Structured Properties**:
  - Image: *La Liberté guidant le peuple* by Eugène Delacroix.
  - Identifiers: GND 4018799-9, Library of Congress SH 85061236.
  - Aliases: Modern era, Modern age, Modern times, Modern history.
- **Wikidata**: Sitelink count 80; Wikipedia title "Modern era".

## FAQs
- **Q: How is the modern period divided?**  
  A: It is split into the early modern (1500–1800) and late modern (1800–present) periods, with further subdivisions like contemporary history (post-1945) and newest history (post-1917/1918).

- **Q: What historical era preceded the modern period?**  
  A: The Postclassical Era, which bridged ancient and modern history.

- **Q: Why do dates for subdivisions vary?**  
  A: Differences arise from regional historiographical traditions (e.g., English vs. German frameworks).

- **Q: Which academic fields study the modern period?**  
  A: History, sociology, political science, and interdisciplinary studies like modernity as a socio-cultural concept.

- **Q: Who are key scholars associated with this era?**  
  A: Notable historians include Natalie Zemon Davis, Volker Berghahn, and Pierre Goubert, among others.

## Why It Matters
The modern period is pivotal for understanding the development of contemporary global society. It encompasses the Industrial Revolution, the Enlightenment, colonial expansion, and the rise of democratic and totalitarian regimes. Its study provides insights into the roots of current political systems, economic structures, and cultural norms. The era’s historiography reflects diverse perspectives, from European-centric narratives to global and postcolonial reinterpretations, making it a dynamic field of research that shapes modern identity and policy.

## Notable For
- **First Global Networks**: Establishment of transcontinental trade, colonization, and communication systems.
- **Industrialization**: Transition to industrial economies, beginning in the late 18th century.
- **Political Revolutions**: Key events like the American and French Revolutions reshaped governance.
- **Historiographical Diversity**: Varied periodization (e.g., German "neueste Geschichte" vs. English "contemporary history").
- **Interdisciplinary Study**: Integrates history with sociology, economics, and cultural studies through the concept of modernity.

## Body

### Definition and Scope
The modern period, defined as the era from approximately 1500 to the present, is a core concept in historical periodization. It is marked by the decline of feudalism, the emergence of global trade networks, and the development of modern scientific and political thought. The term "modernity" further encapsulates the socio-cultural shifts within this timeframe, including secularization and individualism.

### Subdivisions
- **Early Modern Period (1500–1800)**: Characterized by the Renaissance, the Age of Exploration, and the rise of absolutist states. Key events include the Protestant Reformation and the Scientific Revolution.
- **Late Modern Period (1800–Present)**: Defined by industrialization, urbanization, and the world wars. This era saw the collapse of colonial empires and the emergence of global superpowers.
- **Regional Variations**:
  - **Contemporary History (post-1945)**: Focuses on decolonization, the Cold War, and digitalization (English-speaking historiography).
  - **Newest History (post-1917/1918)**: Emphasizes the Russian Revolution and its aftermath (German-speaking tradition).

### Preceding and Succeeding Eras
- **Preceded By**: The Postclassical Era (500–1500), which includes the Middle Ages and the early Islamic Golden Age.
- **Succeeded By**: No formal successor, as the modern period remains ongoing. However, terms like "postmodernity" critically engage with late modern developments.

### Academic Context
- **Disciplines**: Studied within history, sociology, and political science, with interdisciplinary links to economics and cultural studies.
- **Academic Tools**: Utilizes periodization to categorize time into manageable blocks, reflecting both objective events and subjective historiographical perspectives.
- **Key Institutions**: Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History (Brussels) and works by scholars like Barbara Stollberg-Rilinger and Dirk Moses.

### Notable Historians
- **Natalie Zemon Davis** (Canada/USA): Renowned for studies on early modern Europe and gender history.
- **Volker Berghahn** (Germany): Expert on modern German and European history, particularly political and economic developments.
- **Pierre Goubert** (France): Specialized in 17th-century French social history, emphasizing quantitative methods.
- **Ewald Frie** (Germany): Focuses on early modern German history and Reformation studies.
- **Global Perspectives**: Scholars like Michael Echeruo (Nigeria) and Sergio Luzzatto (Italy) contribute diverse regional insights.

### Cultural and Historical Significance
The modern period has shaped contemporary society through technological advancements, political ideologies, and global interconnectedness. Its study addresses critical themes such as imperialism, human rights, and environmental change, offering frameworks to analyze current challenges like globalization and inequality. The era’s historiography continues to evolve, incorporating marginalized voices and challenging Eurocentric narratives, thereby enriching understanding of a complex, multifaceted past.

## References

1. Directory of Open Access Journals
2. YSO-Wikidata mapping project
3. Quora
4. FactGrid
5. National Library of Israel
6. [OpenAlex](https://docs.openalex.org/download-snapshot/snapshot-data-format)