The document discusses several factors that influenced 20th century novels. The modern novel reflected the era's aspirations, concerns, ways of thinking, and artistic tastes. Major influences included World War I, changes in British imperialism and global politics, the rise of social movements and labor organizations, and developments in science like Darwinism and Freudian psychoanalysis. Novels began to examine characters' inner thoughts and emotions rather than just realistic events. The 20th century saw a loss of faith in concepts like science, technology, and progress. Overall, 20th century British literature was shaped by war and influenced by many social, scientific, and historical changes of the modern period.