The newest time: a brief description

The beginning of modern times falls on the 20th century. This era, according to many historians, is one of the most controversial.

general information

For most countries in the world, this segment has become a turning point. The history of modern times is marked by national liberation and social revolutions, the emergence of new states as a result of the collapse of colonial empires. In addition, in this era a complex process of changing the state-legal and social system took place. In some countries, socialist statehood was formed. Historians characterize this age as cruel, as it is marked by local, many civil and two world wars. Between many world countries for a long time there was some alienation of the most diverse order: national, religious, ideological. This is largely due to the unevenness in the social, economic and historical development of states. Particularly clearly alienation manifested itself between the states of the capitalist and socialist camp. In modern times, military blocs that are destabilizing the international situation have been formed and are partially preserved today. The relationship between the economically developed countries and the former dependent and colonial states is characterized as acute and rather contradictory.

The development of countries in modern times

Despite some instability in international relations, there was a certain rapprochement of states with approximately the same level of political and economic development. By the second half of the 20th century, the integration of the regional communities of countries was noted. At the same time, the potential for further unification was noticeable. The most vivid example of such integration is the formation of the European Union. The legal and governmental structure of a number of countries that have influenced these processes has itself undergone important and often very ambiguous changes. The historical development of many of them was full of critical situations, peculiar zigzags or jumps.

The main directions of development of states

By the end of the 20th century, the inevitability of choosing a democratic path in the world became obvious. Why did this happen? There are a number of basic directions for the development of states in modern times. Periodization of the process includes the following stages: the evolution of the countries of liberal democracy, the formation of a social system, the temporary establishment of an authoritarian regime (one of the most striking examples is the fascist regime in Germany), the formation of a socialist state that differed significantly from fascism and liberal democracy.

At the end of the 20th century, there was a strong desire for democratization. The prevailing then liberalism was not able to solve in its classical form only many spiritual, moral, economic and social problems.

The results of democratization

Many countries eventually managed to overcome the too elitist character of liberalism. Thus, the newest time was marked by the introduction of equal universal suffrage, the creation of legislation that protected some of the social and labor rights of the population. In the process, liberal democracy lost its role of protecting and not interfering in economic relations. Now the state can, albeit partially, invade private property relations, limit them in favor of general national interest. Historians note the gradual introduction of regulation and planning of a market economy. As a result of all these processes, the legal and financial situation of the main strata of citizens has significantly improved.

Europe in modern times

The desire of states for development contributed to the acceleration of the pace of life, the breakdown of outdated traditions. By the 20th century, the progress of construction equipment was expressed, due to the restructuring of cities. This was demanded by the rapidly developing industry, population growth. Technical development has made the life of the new European states different from that of previous eras. People's activities were increasingly directed to mass character, moving away from their own interests. However, some events that occurred after the Second World War, are highly ambiguous. So, for example, in Eastern Europe, changes, according to some authors, were caused not by the countries' own needs, but, to some extent, inspired by neighboring influential states. However, the true democratization of the state construction that took place was manifested in ensuring the necessary quality of life for citizens, the real protection of human rights and freedoms.

Conclusion

In recent times, the reality of liberal democracy, all its aspects (both negative and positive) has been revealed in Russia. In this regard, in the modern movement towards democratization, conviction is increasingly being strengthened in the need for a special approach to state and legal institutions. At the same time, mechanical copying of foreign experience is not allowed. Against the backdrop of development, there is an affirmation of the need to comprehensively deep comprehend and take into account the national history, legal and economic foundations that meet the interests of citizens. Evaluation of the history of statehood allows you to see what should be left in the past, and what needs to be learned and developed.