
For most
Europeans, the years from 1871 to 1914 constituted
La Belle Epoque (“the
beautiful times”). Science had made life more comfortable and secure,
representative government had achieved wide acceptance in principle, and
continued progress was confidently expected. Proud of their accomplishments and
convinced that history had assigned them a civilizing mission, Europe’s powers
laid colonial claim to vast territories in Africa and Asia. Some believed,
however, that Europe was dancing on a volcano.