The Belle Époque or La Belle Époque, meaning 'Beautiful Epoch' in French, is often termed to a period of French history, usually dated between 1880 and the outbreak of war in 1914. Occurring during the age of the French Third Republic, it had been a period characterized by optimism, regional peace, economic prosperity, colonial expansion, and technological, scientific, and cultural innovations. During this era of France's cultural and artistic climate (particularly within Paris), the humanities markedly flourished, with numerous masterpieces of literature, music, theatre, and visual art gaining extensive recognition. It had been an era of tremendous urban increase, scientific and technological advancement, art and architecture, fashion, and imperialism. The Belle Époque was an era of progress and prosperity.