The dawn of the 20th century in Europe was a time of incredible change. Cities were buzzing with new technologies like electric streetcars and gas lighting. The invention of the internal combustion engine by Karl Benz in 1885, followed by Armand Peugeot's functioning automobile just a few years later, ushered in a new era of transportation and forever altered the rhythm of urban life. But this period was about more than just new gadgets; it was a time of profound societal shifts that redefined what it meant to be “modern.”
A Time of Urban Growth and Technological Marvels
Imagine moving to a city like Berlin at the turn of the century. You'd be surrounded by millions of people, all drawn in by the promise of opportunity and captivated by the allure of modern life. This period saw a mass exodus from rural areas to urban centers, leading to unprecedented population growth in cities across Europe.
Think about the everyday conveniences we take for granted that were just emerging then: aspirin, a
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