Modernist architecture started in the early 1900s. It was shaped by the social and political events happening at that time. Industrial growth and the changes that came after two World Wars influenced how architects approached building design. Here are some important points to understand:

1. Functionalism: This idea was very important in Modernist architecture. Buildings weren't just made to look good; they were designed to be useful. This change was because society was evolving, and people wanted spaces that worked well for everyday life.

2. Key Movements:

   • Bauhaus: This movement began in Germany in 1919. It focused on mixing art with technology. It aimed to make design affordable and accessible for everyone. This matched the democratic feelings of people after the wars.
   • International Style: This emerged in the 1920s and 1930s. It preferred simplicity over decoration. Architects like Le Corbusier and Mies van der Rohe believed that good design could represent a fresh, modern society.

3. Influential Architects: Important figures like Louis Kahn and Frank Lloyd Wright were key to developing Modernism. They used architecture to address social issues, creating buildings that were not only beautiful but also met the needs of the community.

In short, Modernism shows the hopes and struggles of its time. It demonstrates how architecture can represent cultural changes and ambitions.