The aftermath and significance of the First World War
Answer:
World War I is a very important milestone in the history of the world. Although the Great War arose mainly as a result of the conflict between the European states, it spread to all continents and the battlefields in water and land space. The enormity of the loss of life, money, resources and waste is also unprecedented in the First World War. Apart from being a direct participant in the war, all the states of the world were affected by this all-out war at all levels of national life. Its omnipotent effect brought about a huge and profound change in the political, social, economic and cultural life of different nations of the world. Its results are far-reaching and revolutionary in comparison to any other previous war.
Political change as a result of the First World War: -
Map changes in Europe:
As a result of World War I, four great empires disappeared. Russian, German, Austrian-Hungarian and Turkish. The earthquake of political reorganization changed the map of Europe in 1914. In the war, that is, in 1919, old Europe was no longer known. The reorganization of Poland, Bohemia, Romania, Lithuania, etc. The creation of Czechoslovakia, Yugoslavia is a new trend in the political history of Europe.
The victory of nationalism:
The spread of nationalist ideology in Europe and all over the world was a revolutionary contribution to the First World War. The Paris Conference widely recognized nationalism. This resulted in the fragmentation of multi-ethnic empires into multi-national states. For example, four independent nation-states were formed, separated from the old Russian Empire - Finland, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. The Polish state was re-formed with the territories of Poland occupied by Germany, Austria and Russia. Yugoslavia was formed by connecting Bohemia and Moravia with Czechoslovakia and the Austro-Hungarian Slavic territory with Serbia. Thus in many cases nationalism wins in Europe. Of course, this policy was not followed in all parts of Europe. And in all these regions, fierce nationalism re-emerges and disrupts world peace.
Nationalism spread beyond Europe. Nationalist ideology is rapidly gaining strength, mainly in the countries that were under the influence of the imperialist states of Europe. As a result, mass movements took place in China, Egypt, etc., and in India, Indonesia, etc., the freedom movement intensified to break the shackles of foreign rule.
Expansion of Democracy:
With the spread of nationalism came the spread of democracy. In 1914, republics were established in five countries, including France and Switzerland, but in 1919, the number of republics in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, etc., stood at 16. Russia established a communist government.
The emergence of dictatorship:
An overflowing current of resistance to democracy continues to prevail. This is a dictatorship. The failure of the democratic system to solve the economic, social and political problems of post-war Europe became apparent. And frustrated people consider dictatorship as a system of governance. In Germany, Italy, Spain, and Turkey, dictators continued to rule with absolute power.
Rise of Internationalism:
A joint effort of the Allies in the First World War. As a result, their interdependence increases, especially in the economic field. Thus internationalism spread. The United Nations was established to establish lasting peace. Although the United Nations has failed to play an effective role in preventing future wars, the impact of internationalism on the economy has been significant. Internationalism grew through the communist organization Third International.
Social change as a result of the First World War: -
Accelerated women's liberation:
World War I also revolutionized social life in Europe. Countless young men were killed on both sides in this battle. As a result, the number of young people in the country is declining. But the number of women is increasing proportionately. This has led to many serious social problems. As the number of able-bodied men decreased and many of them were engaged in direct combat, women in every country started running factories, schools, colleges, hospitals, etc. As they come forward in equal steps as men, they become equal to men. Naturally, in the post-war period, when women demanded equal rights and status as men, most of them were recognized. Thus, the First World War gave impetus to the women's liberation movement.
Reducing social inequality:
It can be said that the First World War acted as a supporting force for the establishment of social equality. During the war, everyone, rich and poor, fought and suffered equally. Many have sacrificed their lives to achieve a common goal of winning the war. This traditional social class has broken down the wall of inequality and changed social values.
Increasing the importance of the working class:
World War I was a national initiative in every country. As important as the army was in this, the working class played an important role in continuing production in the mills and factories. So in the post-war period, the working class became aware of their rights. They chose the path of movement to realize their demands. As a result, their influence in the political arena increased. Various workers' welfare social systems were introduced.
Economic changes as a result of the First World War: -
Wartime Socialism:
There was a waste of resources during the First World War. So the economic crisis in the post-war world intensified. Factories are destroyed, production is disrupted, and terrible unemployment occurs. The financial plight of the people became extreme. During the war state control over production and distribution was established in the industry instead of private enterprise. Attempts to gain personal profit are condemned in society. Even in the post-war period, that tradition was not destroyed, so it helped in the spread of socialist thought. With this wartime socialism, especially in Germany, a "war-based economy" developed. Under the full control of the state, with the help of the elements of production, the economy is used for the urgent need to win the war. In the post-war world this economic contribution, economic planning gained popularity.
Artificially made raw materials:
Warring countries often did not prepare for war as expected due to a lack of raw materials. Therefore, to reduce the dependence on the partner countries for the supply of the required raw materials, efforts are being made to produce many raw materials by artificial means. For example, cellulose, bayonet, plastic, etc. were discovered in this way, which led to the improvement of industry and trade.
National Financial Self-Sufficiency:
Finally, World War I eliminated international trade-based economic interdependence. In its place came Ataki, the national financial self-sufficiency. During the war, every state had a bitter experience of lack of food and war materials. So in the post-war period, everyone tried to be self-sufficient in this matter. Every state has become protectionist by imposing import duty on rhymes to stop imports. As a result, on the one hand, the products produced in the industrialized countries are accumulating, the factories are closing down and the number of unemployed is increasing. On the other hand, the prices of goods produced in industrialized countries are greatly increased. But as the verdict of the people was not increased in proportion to the increase in the price of goods, their misery did not end. In short, all the countries have reduced their imports and focused on increasing their exports, creating a stalemate in international trade.
Cultural changes as a result of the First World War: -
The cultural life of the world was not liberated from the omnipotent effects of the First World War. The religious revival took place in response to him. Many people naturally find peace and comfort in the world of religion and the afterlife. That is why spiritualism gained popularity during the war. Similarly, many people have a strong belief that education is needed to save civilization from the resurgence of this catastrophic war. So the efforts for the education of children and adults are increased. Also significant is another post-war trend. Previous ideas about justice, marriage, sex, etc., have changed radically. Their value is relative to their social needs - this theory is gaining popularity. Contemporary literature also reflected this theory.
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