1. Before WWI
1.1. Social Dynamics
1.1.1. Class Structures
1.1.1.1. Rigid class hierarchies characterized society, with the aristocracy controlling a large amount of power. But as the desire for social change grew, movements supporting women's suffrage and workers' rights were gaining ground.
1.2. Political Landscape
1.2.1. Alliance Systems
1.2.1.1. Europe was divided into two main alliance systems: the Triple Alliance (Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy) and the Triple Entente (France, Russia, and Great Britain) These alliances were meant to help each other, but they made things worse and caused war because they were secret and needed military help.
1.2.2. Nationalism
1.2.2.1. Particularly in multiethnic empires like Austria-Hungary and the Ottoman Empire, nationalistic fervor was on the rise.
1.2.3. Imperialism
1.2.3.1. Rivals between European powers were stoked by their imperial ambitions, which resulted in wars in areas like the Balkans.
1.3. Economic Environment
1.3.1. Industrialization
1.3.1.1. The industrial world expanded rapidly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, especially in North America and Europe. Along with increased trade and production, social inequality contributed to unrest and calls for reform during this period of economic expansion.
1.3.2. Global Trade Networks
1.3.2.1. With comparatively unrestricted labor and goods movement, a globally integrated labor market developed, promoting global trade and economic interdependence.
2. After WWI
2.1. Social Changes
2.1.1. Social Norms and Gender Roles
2.1.1.1. Due to the war's disruption of established social structures, women are now more prevalent in the workforce. This change aided in the post-war era's advancement of feminist movements and the transformation of gender roles.
2.1.2. Cultural Movements
2.1.2.1. A wave of modernism reflecting existential themes and disillusionment swept through literature and the arts as a result of the war. During this time, notable people like Ernest Hemingway came to prominence and added to the rich cultural landscape.
2.1.3. Moral and Social Challenges
2.1.3.1. As communities battled to reintegrate returning soldiers and adjust to new social realities, post-war societies faced difficulties like rising crime rates and social dislocation.
2.2. Political Transformations
2.2.1. Collapse of Empires
2.2.1.1. Major empires like the Ottoman, Russian, and Austro-Hungarian empires fell apart as a result of the war. The political landscape of Europe and the Middle East was drastically altered by the emergence of new nations and the redrawing of borders.
2.2.2. Treaty of Versailles
2.2.2.1. As a result of the post-war treaty's severe sanctions against Germany, which led to political unrest and economic hardship, radical movements gained traction during the interwar years.
2.3. Economic Consequences
2.3.1. Economic Disruption
2.3.1.1. Widespread economic destruction was brought about by the war, especially in Europe. Many nations—especially Germany, which endured severe economic unrest in the early 1920s—saw enormous debt and hyperinflation.
2.3.2. Shift in Economic Power
2.3.2.1. The global economic balance was shifted when the United States became a dominant economic force. As a result of their difficulties recovering, European countries became more dependent on American financial assistance.