The Persistence Of Interwar, 1918-1939

In the history of the 20th century, the Interwar period lasted from 11 November 1918 to 1 September 1939 (20 years, 9 months and 21 days), the end of the First World War and the beginning of the Second World War. The Interwar period was relatively short, yet featured many significant social, political, and economic changes throughout the world.

During this time, the Weimar Republic in Germany gave way to two stories of political and economic turmoil, first culminating in the 1923 German hyperinflation and failure. The League of Nations tried to enforce economic sanctions on Italy, but to no avail. The incident highlighted the weaknesses of France and England, exemplifying their reluctance to alienate Italy and lose him as their ally. Weak actions taken by Western countries prompted Mussolini's Italy to form an alliance with Hitler's Germany as well.

Petroleum-based energy production and associated mechanisation led to the prosperous Roaring Twenties, a time of both social mobility and economic mobility for the middle class. Automobiles, electric lighting, radio, and more became common among populations in the developed world. This was the first in a series of provocative acts culminating in the invasion of Poland in September 1939 and the beginning of the Second World War.