Final answer:
The term 'fin de siècle' refers to the cultural and intellectual climate in Europe at the end of the 19th century, characterized by decadence, experimentation, and a sense of uncertainty. It had a significant impact on art, literature, philosophy, and politics, influencing the development of modernism.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term fin de siècle comes from French and translates to 'end of the century' in English. It refers to the cultural and intellectual climate in Europe at the end of the 19th century, particularly from the 1880s to the early 1900s. This period was characterized by a sense of decadence, pessimism, and uncertainty, as well as artistic and intellectual experimentation.
During the fin de siècle, there were significant shifts in art, literature, philosophy, and politics. Artists and writers explored themes of decay, the occult, sexuality, and psychological exploration, often challenging traditional norms and conventions. The movement had a significant impact on the development of modernism and contributed to the emergence of new artistic movements, such as Symbolism and Art Nouveau.