Rejection of Traditionalism:
- The late 19th century saw a growing rejection of traditional values, institutions, and artistic conventions that were perceived as outdated and confining.
Industrial Revolution and Urbanization:
- The rapid transformation brought about by the Industrial Revolution, with its mass production, urbanization, and social changes, challenged conventional ideas and encouraged new ways of thinking and expressing.
Social and Political Changes:
- Major societal shifts, including women's suffrage movements, labor movements, and the rise of socialism, contributed to a questioning of established social structures and hierarchies.
Scientific and Technological Advancements:
- Advances in science, such as the theory of evolution, challenged traditional religious beliefs and promoted the idea of constant change. New technologies, like photography and the phonograph, altered artistic practices.
Artistic Influences:
- The Post-Impressionist and Fauvist movements in art, with their departures from traditional forms and techniques, opened up possibilities for new aesthetics.
Break from Historicism:
- Modernist artists and intellectuals rejected historicism, which emphasized the emulation of past styles. They sought to create new forms that were relevant to their contemporary experience.
Influence of Philosophy and Psychology:
- The ideas of philosophers like Friedrich Nietzsche and Henri Bergson, as well as emerging schools of psychology, influenced modernist thinking on subjectivity, time, and the nature of reality.
Literary Movements:
- Decadent and Symbolist movements in literature challenged conventional narratives and encouraged experimentation with language and symbolism.
Internationalism and Cultural Exchange:
- The modernist movement emerged in different parts of the world, with artists and intellectuals across continents exchanging ideas and experimenting with new artistic approaches.
It's important to note that modernism wasn't a unified or cohesive movement, but rather a diverse and complex range of artistic and intellectual developments that encompassed visual art, literature, architecture, music, theater, and more. The specific starting point and influences varied across different disciplines and regions, contributing to the multifaceted nature of modernism.