Society Post-World War 1
Society in U.S. post World War 1
World War I disrupted many traditional social patterns. New ideas and ways of life led to a new kind of individual freedom during the 1920s. First of all, women's rights and roles greatly improved/changed. The war had allowed women to take on new roles and their work in the war effort was decisive in helping them win the right to vote. Later women's suffrage became law in many countries including the United States, Britain, Germany, Sweden, and Austria. Women abandoned older fashion and started to modernize their styles. They started to speak out for greater freedom and sought new careers. The numbers of women in medicine, education, journalism, and other professions increased. Technological advancements also improved life helping millions of people and aiding in transportation and communication methods. After the war, during the 1920s the United States began to deport immigrants due to cultural and economical purposes. These immigrants faced several afflictions such as racism and religious oppression. The examination of immigration expressed an important shift in American society after World War I. American society was also altered by racial discrimination.
Society in Europe post World War 1
When the war ended Lenin restored order in Russia because of the czar's weakness in ruling. Later on dictator, Joseph Stalin, altered society with his new form of government control. This form of government vanishes personal freedom and privacy known as, totalitarianism, which controlled every aspect of private, public, and social life. The national government takes control of all aspects of both public and private life. Thus, a totalitarian government seeks to erase the connection between government and society. The state controlled the areas of business, labor, housing, education, religion, arts, personal life, and youth groups. Stalin would not tolerate individual creativity Stalin aimed to replace religious teachings and exchange them with ideals of communism. Many people kept their faiths, but were pressured and persecuted to obey their government. Stalin's totalitarian rule revolutionized Soviet society. Women's roles greatly expanded because Stalin ordered laws to be passed that would grant women equal rights. Therefore, given new education opportunities women prepared for careers in engineering and science. In addition, people became better educated and mastered new technical skills. Shortly after World War 1, Hitler wanted more than economic and political power, but also control of every aspect of German life. He used the press, radio, literature, painting, and film as propaganda tools. Jews then began to be the targets of persecution when Hitler took over and discriminated them harshly and ruthlessly.
Sources
- Beck, Roger B. Modern World History: Patterns of Interaction. Evanston,
IL: McDougal Littell, 2005. Print. - http://www.theguardian.com/world/2008/nov/11/first-world-war-changing-british-society
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