The Era

The years between the end of the Franco-Prussian War in 1871 and the outbreak of World War I in 1914, have been coined La Belle Époque (the beautiful age). The world was changing at a pace like no other time before. It was a period of great economic development, as well as scientific and technological advances. Like any era in history, it had its glaring weaknesses, but it was also a time of excitement, elegance, and optimism as it ushered in enormous cultural development. 
Franco-Prussian War Ends in 1871
1871 - 1875
  • Unification of German States
  • Typewriter

1876 - 1880
  • Telephone
  • Phonograph
  • Dual Alliance - Germany and Austria-Hungary
  • Incandescent Lightbulb
  • Cholera Vaccine

1881 - 1885
  • First Boer War
  • Anthrax Vaccine
  • Triple Alliance - Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy
  • Electric Fan
  • Rabies Vaccine
  • TB Baccillus
  • Berlin Conference/Treaty - The "Scramble for Africa"
  • Balkin Crisis - Bulgaria and Serbia

1886 - 1890
  • First Skyscraper - Chicago
  • Kodak Camera
  • Dishwasher
  • Diphtheria and Tetanus Vaccine

1891 - 1895
  • Escalator
  • Gas-Powered Car
  • Zipper
  • Shimonoseki Treaty - Japan and China
  • X Ray

1896 - 1900
  • Typhoid Fever Vaccine
  • Bubonic Plague Vaccine
  • Player Piano
  • The Paris Treaty - Ends Spanish-American War
  • Second Boer War
  • Aspirin

1901 - 1905
  • Queen Victoria dies; Edward  VII Crowned King of Great Britain
  • Air Conditioning
  • Airplane
  • Entente Cordial - Agreement between France and Britain
  • Treaty of Portsmouth - Ends Russo-Japanese War


1906 - 1910
  • Anglo-Russian Entente
  • Triple Entente - Alliance between France, Russia and Britain
  • Electrocardiograph (ECG)
 Outbreak of World War I in 1914