The Great War and Social Change, 1900–1919

In 1914, nationalism was the political “ism” that seemed the motive choice, but ironically that is when “globalization” defined as “extending to other or all parts of the world” became clearly evident. The Great War tied the globe together: colonies participated in the fighting, and thousands of the colonized were sent to Europe to serve in labor or military units. This was not the first sign of a world coming together. The late nineteenth century witnessed globalization’s advance: 52 million Europeans migrated to the Americas, adopting a new culture. Similarly, industrialization globalized, bringing increased commerce on the world scene. At war’s end, the Spanish flu brought the globe together against the pandemic. The war did not change the world’s views on nationalism as the national intrigue and deal making at the Versailles Conference underscores.