Best of times, worst of times2003

Describes how industrialization and science transformed the world by creating revolutionary changes in transport and communications and expanding international trade, which led to an age of great wealth creation. Examines the economic tensions which were the crucial causes of two world wars which destroyed human life and economic wealth on an unimaginable scale. Analyzes the importance of science and technology, banking and big business, immigration, nationalism, and laissez-faire capitalism as forces for rapid societal change. Also addresses economic collapse in post-World War I Germany and America.