Europe Between Wars: Political, Economic, and Social Shifts

Europe Between the Wars (1919-1939)

A New Map of Europe

Following World War I, the map of Europe underwent significant changes:

• Germany lost territories.
• Latvia, Lithuania, and Hungary emerged as independent nations.
• Austria-Hungary was divided into Austria and Hungary.
• Czechoslovakia was formed.
• Serbia and Montenegro united and expanded, forming Yugoslavia.

Russia remained isolated.

The American "New Deal"

The "New Deal" in the U.S. involved government intervention, leading to:

• Low unemployment.
• Increased sales.
• Increased industrial production.
• The opening of new industries.

Political Shifts: From Democracy to Dictatorship

In 1919, democracy prevailed in Europe. By 1938, dictatorships had risen. This shift occurred due to:

• Economic crises that democratic regimes failed to resolve quickly.
• Increased universal suffrage, leading to more workers voting.
• The rise of leftist parties advocating for the elimination of private property.
• Discontent with the Treaty of Versailles, particularly in Germany and Italy.

Social Changes

Social groups attended various forms of entertainment:

• Movies became popular.
• Sports gained popularity.
• Popular music became widespread.

Media outlets included the press, radio, and cinema.

Local towns and cities predominated. Shops catered to the wealthy, offering improved consumer goods.

Home equipment saw advancements, with luxuries like lighting, heating, and sanitary drinking water becoming more accessible to the upper class.

Economy (1919-1923)

The period focused on rehabilitating the economy after the destruction of the war, leading to inflation and unemployment.

The Soviet Revolution and Formation of the USSR

Root Causes:

• Political: Absolute monarchy with limited powers.
• Economic: A largely agricultural country with limited industrialization.
• Social: 80% of the population was poor and culturally and economically disadvantaged.
• Military: Defeat of Russia against Japan.

Immediate Cause:

The First World War.

Stages of the Revolution:

• February Revolution (25/26 February): Provisional Government of Kerensky (Mensheviks), the Tsar abdicates, Soviets formed.
• October Revolution (24/10): Bolsheviks take the Winter Palace, Lenin comes to power, promising peace and expropriating lands.

War Communism (1918-1921):

The state controlled private property, leading to the dictatorship of the proletariat in the USSR.

Lenin's Policies (1917-1924):

• New Economic Policy (NEP): Return of some private property.
• Creation of the USSR in 1922.
• Constitution of 1923.
• Recognition of the USSR in 1924.

Stalin's Policies (1929-1953):

• Totalitarian dictatorship: Cult of personality, with Stalin portrayed as a father figure.
• Reinforcement of the Communist Party (CPSU).
• Political repression and police control over expression.