Disillusionment in Europe During the years 1914-1918 :: essays research papers

Analyze the spirit of promise that gave representation to disillusionment in Europe during the years 1914-1918.Prior to the devastation of the branch World state of war, a spirit of optimism and enthusiasm engulfed the minds of citizens across Europe. Relating the potential ending of another contend to the abruptly, decisive, progressive wars in the nineteenth century, Europeans greeted the opportunity for war as a tool to cleanse the current ailments of Europe. The people, blinded by an overwhelming belief in progress and a developing smell out of nationalism, failed to foresee that they were heading for disaster. World War I emanated from European leaders trespass toward other countries, which was supported by the rising nationalism. Economic and imperial tilt and fear of war prompted military alliances and an arms race, which further escalated the tension lend to the outbreak of a war greatly exceeding the lethality of European expectation.A spirit of nationalism rang hi gh in the atmosphere pre-world war Europe. many were engrossed by potential benefits war could bring to their lives. Nationalism, however, was not a new idea at the settlement of the Congress of Vienna in 1815, the pattern of nationalism was ignored in favor of preserving the peace. Despite the settlement, the principle was rejuvenated by the onset of the World War. The ardent nationalistics fussed in masses to wiz the need for war. Patriotic demonstrations had an intoxicating effect and excited the war-mongers to excess... (Phillip Schneidemanan). Under treacherously aspirations and expectations the naive soldiers marched off to war, unexpectant of the tragedies they would encounter. In only a few short months, the soldiers realized how false their assumptions were. Nationalism presented itself as a misleading creation rendering the soldiers to a rude awakening. Oh, God how those men looked, as they came nearer-- those abruptly immobile faces under their steel helmets... The illusion brought about by nationalist ideals encouraged war, and under false pretenses delivered the devastation of the war as a shock exceeding all expectations.The power of alliances also played a key role in the creation and devastation of World War I. Dating back to the time of Bismarck, most alliances formed for the sake of reassurance or to postpone the outbreak of a war. But as time passed, alliances greatly increased international tension by dividing Europe into two arm camps. I felt strongly that England ought to remain neutral, and I collected the signatures of a large number of professors and fellows to a statement.