My attempt to write about 100 years in 100 words:
The century started with rivalries in Europe, leading to the First World War. The instability that resulted led to dictatorships and communism in some countries, while others evolved into welfare states. A second and deadlier war occured. America and the Soviet Union emerged as the dominant and opposing victors, while Europe lost its colonies and influence. New technologies reduced the cost of consumer goods, quickened global communication, transformed demographic structures and made societies more technocratic. Information spread faster, forcing governments to be more accountable. Capitalism and globalisation helped Asia grow and accelerated communism’s demise, but Africa and Latin America waned.