In this essay I shall attempt to discuss some of the many key characteristics of modernity with an overview of politics and history relevant to modernity and later focus on the Bauhaus movement to articulate some of these key characteristics in more detail.

Modernity - just what does it mean and when exactly did it happen ? The more publications one refers to in order to help clarify an answer to this question, the more confusing it all becomes. With each newly found authority discovered, comes the realisation that even the historians and cultural theorists seem to disagree widely over exact dates, cultural 'Movements', and the significant events which contribute to the definition and discourse of the concept Modernity.

Might one argue that Modernity came to encapsulate what ever was 'modern' for the period in which it emerged, or was created, but this seems too easy an explanation. Perhaps we should refer to the art historian Charles Harrison for some guidance.

Harrison seems in little doubt about such definitions, claiming that "Convention distinguishes three

Such has been the response to Modernity - ranging from enthusiastic applause to ridicule, and/or absolute fear - to the extent of censorship and destruction, evident in Hitler's reaction to anything contemporary, avant-garde and/or challenging. The challenging art work which Hitler found so 'degenerate' was probably the artists attempt at coming to terms with the contemporary world - new thoughts, ideas, ideologies and a rapidly changing society - urban, densely populated and industrialised .

But it was not simply the experience of industrialisation which played its part in the conception of Modernity, but also Revolution and War. The late 18th century, and the 19th century witnessed the French Revolutions, with Liberty, Fraternity and Equality - or words and sentiments to that effect - for everyone. The 'Abolition of Slavery' was the outcome of the American Civil War - even though one hundred years later the Rev. Dr., Martin Luther King would still be pleading for equality.

Some common words found in the essay are:
Art Theory, War England, Visual Culture, German Expressionists, CHARACTERISTICS MODERNITY, War Living, Le Corbusier, War Spain, Modern Movement, Gropius Bauhaus, world war, 'break' past, key characteristics, concept modernity, arts crafts, art theory, key characteristics modernity, art theory 1900-1990, theory 1900-1990, characteristics modernity, arts crafts movement, products modernity, modern movement architecture, censorship destruction, ibid p126 suggesting,
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Approximate Pages = 10 (250 words per page double spaced)