The interwar period covers the 1920s and 1930s, also referred to as the "Age of Anxiety."
This period follows World War I (1914-1918) and precedes World War II.
The term "long nineteenth century" is used to describe the late 19th century up until World War I. The early 20th century is often referred to as the "short twentieth century" (1914-1990s).
Countries Post-World War I
France
France was on the winning side of World War I.
Their primary concern was the potential threat from Germany, which was still large and industrialized despite the Treaty of Versailles.
The Treaty required Germany to disarm and pay reparations, imposing heavy economic burdens on them.
France established a Demilitarized Zone (the Rhineland) to create a buffer against Germany’s military resurgence.
Key Term: Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)
Britain
Britain, also a winner, initially supported the reparations but later had second thoughts due to economic reasons.
British economist John Maynard Keynes argued against heavy reparations on Germany, fearing it would hurt Britain’s economy as Germany was a key trade partner.
Germany
Germany lost the war, resulting in the end of the Hohenzollern dynasty and the establishment of the Weimar Republic.
The Weimar Republic was characterized as weak and faced significant economic challenges, worsened by the reparations.
Key Issues: Hyperinflation due to excessive money printing as a reaction to the Ruhr crisis (where France occupied German industrial areas to enforce reparations).
Soviet Union (Russia)
After withdrawing from WWI, Russia became the Soviet Union, facing a complicated relationship with former allies like France.
They signed the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk to formalize their exit from the war.
The Soviet Union was largely isolated on the international stage due to its communist regime.
Austria-Hungary
The Austrian Empire was dismantled post-war, leading to the creation of several new countries based on ethnic boundaries. This principle is known as Self-Determination.
Important new nations included Poland, Czechoslovakia, and Hungary.
United States
The US emerged as a winner, but adopted an isolationist approach post-WWI, with many Americans believing their involvement was a mistake.
The term "return to normalcy" was coined, indicating a desire to avoid further entanglements in European affairs.
Economic Crises
Germany faced a severe economic crisis marked by hyperinflation, making currency virtually worthless and causing economic despair.
The Dawes Plan was introduced in 1924 to help stabilize Germany's economy by renegotiating reparation payments and providing loans from the US.
Key Terms: Dawes Plan, Hyperinflation.
Efforts for Peace
Kellogg-Briand Pact
A treaty signed by 35 nations condemning war but lacking enforcement methods, ultimately ineffective in preventing future conflicts.
Locarno Treaties
Led by German Foreign Minister Gustav Streisand, these treaties sought to stabilize borders agreed upon at Versailles, with promises from Britain and France to protect them.
However, these agreements foreshadowed future conflicts, specifically the outbreak of WWII when borders were violated by Nazi Germany.
Philosophical Shifts
In the post-WWI context, global philosophy shifted towards pessimism with key figures like Friedrich Nietzsche and Jean-Paul Sartre promoting Existentialism, asserting that life is inherently devoid of meaning without God.
Major thought: “Man is the sum of his own existence.”
Impact of the Great Depression
The Great Depression further destabilized Europe, particularly Germany, prompting the rise of leaders like Adolf Hitler who promised recovery and national strength.
Unemployment rates soared—historically high levels were noted in the US (approximately 25%) and even higher in Germany (up to 40%).
Transition to Authoritarianism
Economic turmoil allowed for the rise of authoritarian regimes in various countries as leaders exploited societal unrest to gain power.
The lessons of the interwar period highlight the vulnerabilities of democratic systems under economic strain.