Causes of Modern World War
Modern World Wars, especially World Wars I and II, were triggered by a number of complex and interrelated factors. One of the main causes is overflowing nationalism. Great powers, such as Germany, France, and England, sought to expand their territory and power, creating tensions between nations. In addition, the alliance system formed before the outbreak of the war also played an important role. For example, an alliance between Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy confronted France, Russia, and England, adding to existing tensions.
The economic crisis is also a big driver. High inflation, unemployment, and poverty after World War I created an atmosphere of unrest that was easily triggered by conflict. Meanwhile, the arms race, which began in the early 20th century, involved nations in competition to increase their military power, creating mutual suspicion and increasing the risk of war.
Totalitarian politics developed in several countries, such as Germany under Adolf Hitler and Italy under Benito Mussolini, which instilled aggressive and discriminatory ideas. This ideology not only triggers armed conflicts, but also influences the foreign policies of these countries.
The Impact of Modern World War
The impact of the Modern World War was far-reaching and profound. First of all, millions of lives were lost, with more than 16 million casualties in World War I and around 70-85 million in World War II, making these two wars the greatest human tragedies in history. In addition, families and communities experience profound loss, changing the social landscape in society.
Economically, the war triggered a massive crisis. Many countries experienced material losses and long-term impacts on infrastructure. This led to a slowdown in economic growth as well as widespread dissatisfaction among the population, which could be seen in the emergence of radical movements after the war.
In the political field, instability creates many changes to the world map. New states emerged from the ruins of destroyed empires, such as the Austro-Hungarian and Ottoman Empires. The founding of the UN in 1945 aimed to prevent future conflict and create international cooperation.
Cultural influences cannot be ignored either. The war brought changes to art, literature and thought. The works produced profound reflections on the human condition and the ugliness of war, inspiring many subsequent generations to explore these themes.
From a technological perspective, the World Wars saw rapid advances in military innovations such as tanks, fighter aircraft, and nuclear technology, which later had civilian applications. These impacts created a new world with new challenges and opportunities, which continue to emerge today.