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 of the world, this segment has become a kind of 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, during this era, a complex process of changing the state-legal and social system took place. In some countries, socialist statehood has been formed. Historians characterize this century as brutal, as it was marked by local wars, many civil wars, and two world wars.
For a long time, some estrangement of the most varied order persisted between many world countries: national, religious, ideological. This is largely due to uneven social, economic and historical development of states. Alienation was especially clearly manifested between the states of the capitalist and socialist camps. In modern times, military blocs were formed and are partially preserved today, whichdestabilize the international situation. Relations between economically developed countries and former dependent and colonial states are characterized as sharp and rather contradictory.
Development of countries in modern times
Despite some instability in international relations, there was a certain convergence of states with approximately the same level of political and economic development. By the second half of the 20th century, the integration of regional communities of countries is noted. At the same time, the potential for further merger was noticeable. The most striking example of such integration is the formation of the European Union. The legal and state structure of a number of countries that influenced these processes itself underwent important and often very ambiguous changes. The historical development of many of them was full of critical situations, peculiar zigzags or leaps.
Main directions of development of states
By the end of the 20th century, the whole inevitability of choosing a democratic path in the world became obvious. Why did this happen? There are a number of main directions of development of states in modern times. Periodization of the process includes the following stages: the evolution of liberal democracies, the formation of a social system, the temporary establishment of an authoritarian regime (one of the striking examples is the fascist regime in Germany), the formation of a socialist state, which differed significantly from both fascism and liberal democracy.
At the end of the 20th centurythere was a strong desire for democratization. The then dominant liberalism was unable to solve many spiritual, moral, economic and social problems exclusively in its classical form.
Democratization results
Many countries eventually managed to overcome the too elitist nature of liberalism. Thus, modern times were marked by the introduction of equal universal suffrage, the creation of legislation that protected certain social and labor rights of the population. In the process, liberal democracy lost its role of guarding and not interfering in economic relations. Now the state can, albeit partially, intrude into the relations of private possessions, limit them in favor of the 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 material situation of the main sections of citizens has significantly improved.
Europe in modern times
The desire of states to develop contributed to the acceleration of the pace of life, the break of outdated traditions. By the 20th century, the progress of building technology was expressed, due to the restructuring of cities. This was demanded by the booming industry and population growth. Technological development made the life of the new European states different from that of previous eras. The activity of people was more and more aimed at mass character, moving away fromown interests. At the same time, some events that took place after the Second World War are assessed extremely ambiguously. So, for example, in Eastern Europe, the changes, according to a number of 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 system that was taking place was manifested in ensuring the necessary quality of life for citizens, the actual protection of the rights and freedoms of people.
Conclusion
In recent times, the reality of liberal democracy, all its aspects (both negative and positive) have been revealed in Russia. In this regard, in the modern movement towards democratization, the conviction of the need for a special approach to state-legal institutions is becoming increasingly stronger. At the same time, mechanical copying of foreign experience is not allowed. Against the backdrop of development, an understanding of the need for a comprehensive deep understanding and consideration of national history, legal and economic foundations that meet the interests of citizens is being asserted. An assessment of the history of statehood allows you to see what should be left in the past, and what needs to be adopted and developed.
