EFFECTS OF WORLD WAR i
Adapted from http://www.pbs.org/greatwar/chapters/ch4_overview.html
With the armistice of November 11, 1918, the war was over, however, the
world would not return to the way it was - to what was 'normal.' Four
empires disappeared, and millions of people learned the ideas of nationalism
and democracy. The peace after the war was short. For millions, the war
would continue for months, years and even decades after November 11th.
American soldiers celebrating the Armistice.
Though the armistice was in effect, the Allies continued to attack Germany
via a naval blockade and to pressure Germany into negotiating a treaty at
Versailles, France.
American President Woodrow Wilson arrived in Paris in December 1918 to negotiate
the peace agreements. He met with Presidents and Prime Ministers of the winning and
losing countries. The negotiations took place behind closed doors which frustrated
many people in Europe. They became disillusioned with Wilson and the other
participants; Europeans believed their leaders
had betrayed them. In effect, the negotiations
became a fraud. The participants did not solve
the problems which had caused the World
War I.
Signing of the Treaty of Versailles.
American President
Woodrow Wilson (19131921)
The countries signed the Treaty of Versailles on June 28, 1919. The
peace treaty proved no real peace. Instead, the seeds were planted
for a more catastrophic war just twenty years later.
The Great War had been the worst catastrophe in history. Nine
million soldiers were killed. Four empires collapsed and large parts
of France, Belgium and Russia were devastated, destroyed. The old
order had been destroyed and a new order was taking shape -- and
this conflict would prove bloodier than the war.
Millions of people military and civilian - in
every nation had to
deal with with the war
Soldier with reconstructive face mask
experience and its
consequences. Some people tried not to remember the war,
while others built monuments to those who had died. Many went
to the graves wondering what the purpose of the war had been.
Disabled World War I soldiers returning home.
For the "lost generation" the war became a war without end, one
that continued through missing arms or legs, mutilated faces and
shaking bodies. The question that preoccupied civilians in all
Europe was why so many of
their fathers, husbands, sons
and brothers had to die?
Writers and other artists tried
to create an answer. People
established memorials for the
dead, and people visited the
battlefields to remember their
loved ones.
In Germany, the sense of
dishonor made some
World War I memorial in London
Graves of soldiers killed during World War I.
Germans look for vengeance.
Many Germans, especially members of the army, believed that Germany had
not lost the war on the battlefield. This was a delusion, but a dangerous one.
These people felt that Germany traitors had betrayed the German people
and its soldiers This anger made possible the emergence of a charismatic
and dangerous leader, Adolf Hitler, who would lead the world to World War
II.
World War I memorial in France.
Adolf Hitler used Germany’s disappointment to
become leader. He would lead the world to WWI.