Final answer:
Modernism emerged as a major cultural viewpoint around 1900, becoming especially predominant in the 1920s. It represented sweeping changes in arts, society, and thought, influenced by rapid industrial and urban development, as well as the trauma of World War I.
Step-by-step explanation:
Modernism became the major cultural viewpoint in the early 20th century, particularly flourishing in the 1920s. This philosophical and cultural movement was fuelled by various societal changes including the rapid industrialization of societies, the emergence of modern cities, and the aftermath of World War I. Modernist ideals were manifested in art, literature, architecture, and social norms with a common theme of rejecting established authorities and the past, embracing progress and innovation instead.
Key movements within modern art like Surrealism, Cubism, and Expressionism, alongside the transformative philosophies of institutions like the Bauhaus School, marked the evolution of this cultural era. The call to "Make it new!" by poet Ezra Pound encapsulates the spirit of Modernism, urging a fresh perspective away from the past. The impact of Modernism was extensive, affecting economics, politics, religion, and technology, during a period characterized by tremendous upheaval and growth, particularly noted through events like women's suffrage and the Harlem Renaissance.