Which century do you believe to be more important in modern human history. The 19th or the 20th.?

It is the way of history that the events of one century affect the succeeding ones, I would say that the explosion of political, industrial and economic ideas and concepts in the 19th century formed most of the 20th century. The 19th century saw the birth of industry and entrepreneurship, exploration and colonisation, capitalism and communism – these were coming thick and fast throughout the century – creating the basis of many of the situations faced in the 20th.

The 19th century was a time of Economic and Imperialistic expansion throughout the world. Many devices were invented in the 19th century also: Morse Code, Telephones, Electricity, Automobiles, Aeroplanes, Photography and Cinematography, etc. Major events around the world also took place, such as the Abolition of Slavery in the United States, and the gravitation of populations from the countryside into vast cities in search of work in the Industrial era. The 19th century also saw a large number of wars fought (American Civil War, War of 1812, Franco-Prussian War, just to name a few). By the time the 20th century came around, it was hoped that it would be a century of peace and prosperity.

The 20th century however, was one of extremes. The Human population across the globe (Baby Boom) skyrocketed because of technological advances in Medicine and Sanitation. The average lifespan of people began to increase. Yet this century also saw the implementation of these modern technologies in warfare. The Great War saw the introduction of tanks and aeroplanes and the phasing out of bayonet and cavalry charges. The Spanish Influenza would then go on to claim the lives of millions more. As would the Second World War, in which the first Jet-powered Aircraft, rockets and Atomic bombs were invented, causing over 50 million deaths and result in the creation of the world's first two Superpowers; the US and the USSR. Yet in the same era, traditional colonial Empires (British, French, etc) would cease to exist as the Colonies fought for independence.

In the 60's and 70's Cultural Revolutions would sweep the Western World. Martin Luther King would lead the movement that gave Black people the vote in the US, Hippies came around, and the pill was made available to women. The Vietnam War (Protests against it) and the new threat of Terrorism shaped the globe to make it as it is today

Overall, I believe that the 19th century was the stepping stone for the 20th century, which is the most significant century in modern history, for these reasons:

- The massive technological advances in every field.

- The giant increase in both the population and lifespan of the human race

- The ushering in of Modern Warfare, with the most casualties ever.

- Successful campaigning for equal rights for all Humans in most countries

- The cultural movements in clothing, music and drama

Given that the 20th century had the largest genocides in history (75 million war dead) I would go with that - as we are still living with the consequences.

good to see you back ma'am

i think it's the 20 th century --------humanity saw the most changes and developments in almost every field in this period-----right since man first set his foot on earth

from agriculture ,to technology--to modern aircraft's---to nuclear weapons--to rapid advances in medicines---to internet----to modern communication technologies,to the spread of globalization across the world----to international political and economic associations like UNO--to WTO--IMF---NAFTA--ASEAN--------to international military alliances like NATO ,WARSAW PACT COUNTRIES etc etc

submarine technology to nuclear powered under water missile launch capable submarine-----to man setting foot on the moon ------------

etc etc etc etc

hence i think 20 th century was the defining moment in the history of homo-sapiens ---aka ---humans

hence my vote goes to 20 th century

just my view

good luck

the 20th