The 1900s were a century of extraordinary transformation for London, marked by rapid modernisation, two world wars, shifting social dynamics, and expansion into a global city. Here’s an overview of London through the different phases of the 20th century:

1. Early 1900s: Edwardian London (1901–1914)

• Edwardian Era: London was the capital of the British Empire, one of the world’s largest empires, and was an affluent, vibrant city. Edwardian architecture flourished, with grand buildings, theaters, and hotels.
• Class Divide and Social Change: A wide gap existed between the wealthy and the working class, leading to rising tensions and calls for social reform. The suffragette movement for women’s voting rights gained momentum, led by activists like Emmeline Pankhurst.
• Transport and Infrastructure: The London Underground expanded, including the completion of the Central Line, and the city introduced electric trams, further revolutionising urban transport.
• Science and Culture: This was a period of scientific progress and cultural vibrancy, with figures like Sigmund Freud and Marie Curie visiting London and cultural icons like Virginia Woolf and James Joyce making the city a literary hub.

2. World War I and Interwar Period (1914–1939)

• World War I Impact: London played a central role in the war effort, with thousands of men enlisting to fight. German Zeppelin raids marked the first aerial attacks on the city, bringing the horrors of war home to civilians.
• Post-War Challenges: After WWI, London faced economic difficulties, unemployment, and social tension. A general strike in 1926 underscored the struggles of the working class.
• Art Deco and Modernism: The city saw new architectural styles, especially Art Deco, which influenced the design of department stores, cinemas, and Tube stations.
• Cultural and Artistic Growth: The interwar years were culturally rich, with the Bloomsbury Group—a circle of writers, artists, and thinkers including Virginia Woolf and John Maynard Keynes—flourishing in London.

3. World War II and the Blitz (1939–1945)

• The Blitz: London endured heavy bombing by Nazi Germany in a campaign known as the Blitz. From September 1940 to May 1941, nightly air raids devastated large parts of the city, especially the East End.
• Civilian Resilience: Despite the destruction, Londoners displayed remarkable resilience, sheltering in Tube stations and rebuilding communities. Winston Churchill’s speeches became emblematic of London’s spirit, and the city symbolized resistance against tyranny.
• War’s End and Reconstruction: After WWII, London faced the daunting task of rebuilding. Many historic buildings were damaged or destroyed, and large parts of the city needed new housing, infrastructure, and services.

4. Post-War London: Rebuilding and Migration (1945–1970)

• Reconstruction Efforts: London’s rebuilding involved modern housing projects and the replacement of war-damaged buildings. The 1951 Festival of Britain, held on the South Bank, celebrated resilience and showcased contemporary British art, science, and design.
• The Welfare State: The government established the National Health Service (NHS) and expanded social housing, dramatically changing the lives of working-class Londoners.
• Migration and Diversity: The post-war labor shortage led to immigration from Commonwealth countries, especially the Caribbean, India, and Pakistan. Communities such as Brixton, Southall, and Brick Lane became hubs for these new Londoners, transforming the city into a multicultural metropolis.
• Youth and Cultural Movements: The 1960s saw London as the center of the “Swinging Sixties,” with a vibrant music and fashion scene led by icons like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and designers like Mary Quant. Carnaby Street and Soho became hotspots for youth culture, creativity, and countercultural expression.

5. Economic Hardship and Revival (1970–1990)

• Economic Challenges: London struggled with economic downturns, unemployment, and social tensions. Strikes, inflation, and political strife marked the 1970s, while poverty and deteriorating housing in areas like the East End were critical issues.
• Urban Decay and Rejuvenation: The Docklands, once the heart of London’s maritime industry, faced decline but later underwent regeneration into a financial district, eventually becoming Canary Wharf in the 1980s.
• Rising Financial Center: London began emerging as a global financial center, especially after the financial deregulation of “Big Bang” in 1986, which transformed the City of London with rapid growth and modernized trading practices.
• Social and Political Movements: This period saw significant social movements, including LGBTQ+ rights, anti-racism campaigns, and feminist activism, as well as cultural tensions marked by events like the 1981 Brixton riots.

6. London’s Global Transformation (1990–2000s)

• Global City Status: By the 1990s, London had solidified its status as a major global financial and cultural hub, attracting international businesses, artists, and tourists. The banking and financial sectors thrived, particularly in the City and Canary Wharf.
• The London Eye and Millennium Dome: To mark the year 2000, iconic projects like the London Eye and Millennium Dome (now The O2) were built, symbolizing London’s renewed identity.
• Technological Growth: The tech boom of the late 1990s spurred further economic growth, and areas like “Silicon Roundabout” in East London began to attract technology start-ups.
• Multicultural City: The city’s diversity continued to grow, with over 300 languages spoken by the end of the century. London had become a place where people from all over the world lived, worked, and influenced its culture.

Legacy of 20th Century London

London’s journey through the 1900s transformed it into one of the world’s most important cities. Through wars, reconstruction, economic challenges, and cultural revolutions, London adapted and reinvented itself, becoming a city known for its diversity, resilience, and global influence. By the end of the century, London stood as a vibrant, multicultural metropolis with a rich history and a globalized economy, shaping and shaped by the broader changes of the 20th century.