Some themes or big-picture words that might represent the modern era include:
-Progress: The belief that society and technology can and should continue to advance and improve over time.
-Industrialization: The process of developing and growing industries, especially through the use of machines and factories.
-Globalization: The interconnectedness and interdependence of different regions and countries around the world, often facilitated by advances in transportation, communication, and technology.
-Democracy: A form of government in which the people have a say in how they are governed, typically through the election of representatives.
-Urbanization: The process of people moving from rural areas to cities, often driven by economic and technological developments.
-Modernization: The process of adapting to and adopting modern ways of living, including new technologies, social norms, and ways of organizing society.
Two of the most significant words in this list might be industrialization and globalization. Industrialization has had a major impact on the modern era by driving economic growth and transformation, and it has also had significant social and environmental consequences. Globalization has also played a significant role in the modern era by facilitating the exchange of goods, ideas, and culture between different regions and countries.
The modern era is generally defined as the period of history that begins with the Renaissance and continues to the present day. It is marked by significant advances in science, technology, and industry, as well as the spread of democracy and the growth of global interconnectedness. The modern era has also been marked by major social, economic, and political changes, including the rise of capitalism, the growth of empires, and the emergence of new forms of social and political organization.