The World War 1 Generation

The generation that began their lives before the conception of World War I had preconceived notions on the realities of our world that many individuals do not hold today. And in a period of about four years, the perspectives of all future generations were shifted completely. The nineteenth century was honestly convinced that it was on the straight and unfailing path toward being the best of all worlds. Earlier eras, with their wars, famines, and revolts, were deprecated as times when mankind was still immature and unenlightened. But now it was merely a matter of decades until the last vestige of evil and violence would finally be conquered, and this faith in an uninterrupted and irresistible progress truly had the force of a religion for that generation. One began to believe in this progress than in the bible, and its gospel appeared ultimate because of the daily new wonders of science and technology (3). The reason for these states of mind had to do with some of the unique aspects of life during the era; differences in education, religious beliefs, and changes in overall social mindset.

The unique aspects of education of youth during the pre-World War I era include vast differences in fundamental teaching methods. There is also a particular and possibly more important difference not in the education of academic subjects, but of the education in regards to mindset and a child's intellectual and realistic view of the world they live in. Stefan Zweig speaks on the monotonous facets of schooling during this era and their effects on the development of its students. He saw his education as something that lacked freedom, happiness, and independence of his individual education. The Austrian curriculum was not to blame, for it had been carefully remedied throughout the history of the country. However, it is the actual lessons that were formulaic, barren, and lifeless and offered very little motivation beyond what was expected of you as a student.