INTERWAR YEARS (1919-39)

INTERWAR YEARS (1919-39)

Introduction

The time between the end of World War I in 1918 and the start of World War II in 1939 is known as the Inter-War Years. During this period, there were big changes in society, politics, and the economy. After World War I, the world was trying to recover, and new problems were popping up. Countries were dealing with economic difficulties, and new ideas and beliefs were gaining popularity. The literature written during this time reflected how people were affected by these changes.

During this time, communism became more important, especially in Russia after the October Revolution and the Russian Civil War, which happened right after World War I. Later on, fascism started to become popular, especially in countries like Germany and Italy. Meanwhile, China was having a lot of problems and fighting, including the Chinese Civil War between two groups, the Kuomintang and the Chinese Communist Party. Other big empires, like Britain and France, were facing challenges too. People were starting to think that imperialism, where big countries controlled smaller ones, wasn't a good thing anymore. This led to independence movements in many colonies. In Europe, Ireland also went through a lot of fighting, but eventually, most of it became independent.

The effects of the First World War (1919-1925)

Economic Struggles: After the war, many countries were left with big economic problems. They had spent a lot of money on the war, and now they needed to rebuild their economies. But it wasn't easy. There were shortages of goods, and prices went up, making it hard for people to afford things. Lots of people didn't have jobs, so they couldn't earn money to support themselves and their families.

Treaty Troubles: The Treaty of Versailles, signed in 1919, tried to bring peace after the war. But it caused some big problems, especially for Germany. The treaty blamed Germany for starting the war and made them pay a lot of money in reparations, which means they had to pay for the damage caused by the war. This made a lot of people in Germany angry and led to resentment, setting the stage for future conflicts.

Political Changes: The war changed the way countries were run. Some countries got rid of their kings and queens and became republics, where people elect their leaders. The rise of totalitarian regimes (Government) in Europe. In Russia, the Bolshevik Revolution in 1917 led to the rise of communism and the creation of the Soviet Union. These changes in government had a big impact on how countries were run and how people lived.

Social Impact: The war had a big effect on society. Many soldiers came back from the war hurt or traumatized, and they needed help. Some couldn't find jobs, and some became homeless. There were also big changes for women. With so many men away at war, women had to take on new roles, like working in factories or running businesses. This changed the way society saw women's roles and what they were capable of.

Advancements in Technology: The war led to big advancements in technology, especially in weapons and warfare. Things like tanks, airplanes, and chemical weapons were developed during this time. These new technologies changed the way wars were fought and had a big impact on future conflicts.

Global Changes: The effects of the war were felt all around the world. Many colonies and territories of the countries involved in the war started to demand independence. This led to the breakup of big empires and the creation of new countries. It changed the political map of the world and led to new conflicts in the years to come.

Literary Characteristics

Lost Generation Literature: During the years between the World Wars, a group of writers known as the "Lost Generation" emerged. They wrote about the feelings of disillusionment and trauma experienced by those who grew up during World War I. Famous writers like Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Gertrude Stein were part of this group.

Modernism: This was a style of writing that became popular during the inter-war period. Modernist writers used experimental techniques in their writing, like telling stories from different perspectives or in a non-linear way. They did this to show how confusing and uncertain the world felt at that time.

Existentialism: Some writers explored existentialist ideas, which focus on questions about the meaning of life and the individual's place in the world. Writers like Jean-Paul Sartre and Albert Camus wrote about people trying to find meaning in a world that seemed chaotic and indifferent.

Political Allegory: Many writers used stories with hidden meanings, called allegories, to criticize political ideas and governments. For example, George Orwell's "Animal Farm" uses animals on a farm to represent political leaders and systems.

Social Realism: Some writers chose to write about real-life social issues like poverty and injustice. They wanted to show the truth about society, even if it was hard to read about. This style of writing is called socialb b realism.

Regionalism and National Identity: Writers explored the unique qualities of different regions and cultures, which helped people feel connected to their own country during a time of uncertainty in the world.

Satire and Irony: Writers used satire and irony to make fun of things they thought were wrong in society, like bad politicians or unfair rules. This showed their skepticism and disappointment with the way things were going in the world.

Crucial point

The Spanish Civil War, which took place from 1936 to 1939, was a major conflict marked by intense fighting within Spain. It stemmed (to stop)from long-standing political instability in the country. Essentially, conservative and Catholic factions, along with the military, rebelled against the newly elected government, sparking a full-scale civil war.

During the war, outside countries played a significant role. Fascist (Fascist also known as dictatorship, tyranny, despotism and absolutism, is a word used to describe a political system or ideology characterized by authoritarian control, dictatorial leadership, and extreme nationalism. it refers to a type of government where a single leader has total power and often suppresses opposition, controls the media, and limits personal freedoms. Also sexist, anti-liberal, anti-socialist, and anti-Communist.) Italy and Nazi Germany supported the rebel Nationalist side, led by General Francisco Franco, by providing weapons and military assistance. On the other hand, the Republican government, also known as the Loyalists, received substantial aid from the Soviet Union and Mexico.

While some countries, like Great Britain, France, and the United States, stayed neutral and refused to supply weapons to either side. This was because they feared that the conflict would escalate into a larger European war that nobody wanted.

Literary Masterpieces: During the period between the World Wars, some incredible books were written. 

These include T.S. Eliot's "The Waste Land," The Waste Land" by T.S. Eliot is a famous poem that explores the disillusionment and fragmentation (breakdown) of modern society after World War I. It's divided into five sections and draws from various literary and mythological sources.

The poem talks about how the world feels broken and empty after the war. It shows different voices and scenes, from a journey through a desolate landscape to conversations in a bar. Throughout the poem, there are references to different cultures, religions, and historical events, reflecting the chaos and confusion of the time.

"The Waste Land" is about the loss of meaning and the search for redemption (help) in a world that seems to have lost its way. It's a complex and challenging poem that captures the mood of a generation grappling with the aftermath of war and the changes in society.

Virginia Woolf's "Mrs. Dalloway," is a novel that takes place in one day in the life of Clarissa Dalloway, an upper-class woman living in post-World War I London. The story follows her as she prepares for a party she is hosting that evening.

The novel explores Clarissa's thoughts and memories as she goes about her day, reflecting on her past, her relationships, and the society around her. Through her interactions with other characters, such as her husband Richard, her old friend Peter Walsh, and Warren Smith, the novel touches on themes of love, loss, mental illness, and the passage of time.

The narrative switches between different characters' perspectives, offering glimpses into their inner lives and highlighting the interconnectedness of people's experiences. Woolf uses stream-of-consciousness writing style, where thoughts flow freely and without linear structure, to capture the complexity of human consciousness.

"Mrs. Dalloway" is a rich and nuanced portrayal of a woman's inner world and the society she inhabits, exploring the complexities of human experience and the fleeting nature of life.

"Ulysses" by James Joyce is a novel that follows a day in the life of Leopold Bloom, an ordinary man living in Dublin, Ireland. The novel is famous for its complex writing style and experimental techniques.

"Ulysses" tells the story of Bloom as he goes about his daily routine, which includes activities like eating breakfast, going to work, and interacting with people in the city. Throughout the day, Bloom encounters various characters, including Stephen Dedalus, a young writer, and Molly Bloom, his wife.

The novel is divided into 18 episodes, each representing a different aspect of Bloom's experiences and thoughts. Joyce employs stream-of-consciousness writing, where the reader gets direct access to the characters' inner thoughts and feelings. The language is highly experimental, with Joyce playing with words, styles, and structures to create a unique reading experience.

"Ulysses" is known for its dense and challenging prose, filled with literary allusions (The writer makes indirect reference to something famous, like a myth, another book, or a historical event. If you, the reader, recognize the reference, it unlocks a deeper meaning in the story. It's like getting an extra bonus because you're "in the know." For example, if a character feels like a lone monster, the writer might mention Frankenstein to remind you of that story's lonely creature. This allusion adds depth without needing to explain the whole Frankenstein story.), wordplay, and symbolism. It explores themes such as identity, alienation, sexuality, and the search for meaning in life. The novel is celebrated for its groundbreaking narrative techniques and its profound exploration of the human condition.

These books are considered classics because they capture the feelings and experiences of the time in powerful and meaningful ways.

Capturing Complexity: The literature from this time reflects the many challenges and changes happening in the world. It's like a mirror that shows us how people felt and what they were going through during a time of great change.

Transition and Turbulence (violence): The world was going through a lot of changes during this period. There was the aftermath of the war, which left people feeling lost and confused. There was also economic instability, meaning that many people were struggling to make ends meet. And on top of all that, new ideas and beliefs were emerging that would go on to shape the rest of the century.

Impact of Ideologies: The literature of the Inter-War Years helps us understand how these new ideas and beliefs were starting to take hold. Whether it was fascism, communism, or other ideologies, writers were exploring how these ideas were changing society and people's lives.