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Humanities Timeline

  • Period: 1501 to

    16th Century England

    During 16th Century England (1501–1600), progress was evident in the political and cultural changes that occurred during Queen Elizabeth I’s reign. The country expanded through exploration and the arts, with figures like William Shakespeare shaping England’s cultural influence.
  • Period: 1564 to

    William Shakespeare

    William Shakespeare lived from 1564 to 1616 and made great strides in theater with his deep characters and complex plots. His play Hamlet, written around 1600, redefined storytelling in the 16th century and continues to influence literature and drama today.
  • Hamlet

    Hamlet
    Hamlet, written around 1600, redefined storytelling in the 16th century and continues to influence literature and drama today.
  • Rene Descartes “I think, therefor I am”

    Rene Descartes “I think, therefor I am”
    In 1637, René Descartes published his famous idea, “I think, therefore I am.” This marked progress in philosophy by focusing on individual reasoning and self-awareness, influencing modern science and philosophy.
  • Frankenstein

    Frankenstein
    In 1818, Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein explored the dangers of unchecked scientific progress. The novel raised important ethical questions still relevant in today’s discussions about technology and human advancement.
  • Impressionism

    Impressionism
    Impressionism began in the 1870s and marked a shift in art by focusing on light and color rather than detailed realism. Artists like Claude Monet revolutionized painting by showing the world through their perception.
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    Post-Impressionism

    Post-Impressionism developed in the 1880s–1900s. Artists like Vincent van Gogh took this further, focusing on personal emotion.
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    Pablo Picasso

    Pablo Picasso (1881–1973) pioneered Cubism around 1907, breaking traditional views of art and showing how progress in art can lead to new ways of seeing and interpreting the world.
  • Jazz Music

    Jazz Music
    Jazz emerged in the 1920s, marking a musical revolution by combining African rhythms and blues to create something new. Artists like Louis Armstrong helped shape jazz into a major genre that influenced many others.
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    Surrealism

    Surrealism, beginning in the 1920s–1940s, explored the subconscious mind. Artists like Salvador Dalí created dreamlike art, pushing the boundaries of creativity.
  • Silent Film History - Metropolis

    Silent Film History - Metropolis
    The silent film Metropolis was released in 1927 and shows progress in film technology and storytelling. It was one of the first science fiction films and used groundbreaking special effects to explore themes of industrialization and social inequality.
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    The Great Depression

    The Great Depression (1929–1939) was a challenging period, but the government’s response, especially through Roosevelt’s New Deal, marked progress in how countries manage economic crises. It led to important changes in labor laws and social programs.
  • The Grapes of Wrath 1939

    The Grapes of Wrath 1939
    The Grapes of Wrath, published in 1939, was John Steinbeck’s novel about a poor family’s struggles during the Great Depression. It highlighted the need for social reform and progress in how society treats the vulnerable.
  • Philipe Halsman – Dali Atomicus

    Philipe Halsman – Dali Atomicus
    Dali Atomicus, photographed in 1948, was a surreal image that pushed the boundaries of photography by capturing motion and dreamlike elements. It reflected progress in how we see and capture the world.
  • Rock ‘n’ Roll

    Rock ‘n’ Roll
    Rock ‘n’ Roll was popularized in the 1950s and reflected cultural changes and youth rebellion. Artists like Elvis Presley and Chuck Berry shaped modern music and culture.
  • Sydney Opera House

    Sydney Opera House
    The Sydney Opera House, completed in 1973, showcased architectural progress with its bold and innovative design. It became a symbol of how buildings could be both functional and artistically groundbreaking.