On Sunday, and by extension over the last four years, we witnessed the commemoration of horrific events from one-hundred years ago. World leaders gathered to pay tribute to their nation’s fallen soldiers. This time in 1918, families were remembering the loved ones they lost. Widows were being comforted while trying to remain strong for their children. Parents prayed their sons would come home unharmed. And communities shed tears of relief and despair in this bittersweet moment. November 11th marked the silencing of guns. November 12th was the first day of a new world. A world in which pre-war vestiges were pulled aside and replaced with a stark new reality and the chance for renewed global peace. Although we were at war again twenty-one years later, let this conflict be a reminder to the politicians of today to put aside differences as the consequences can be grave for us all.
The Armistice was the sign of a new peaceful world, symbolising an era which would not be fogged by the clouds of war. In Paris, students took to the streets, bells rang, and flags were displayed with patriotic pride while Prime Minister Clemenceau declared “Vive Le France to the crowds.” Major cities around the world replicated this celebration of triumph, from London all the way to Melbourne. Although it seemed like a period of joy, it masked despair and tragedy. Nevertheless, war was over, and the world could finally move on in peace and harmony.
We must realise this was not reciprocated by everyone around the world. Historians often reiterate the following words “it’s the victors who write history.” This statement is as true one-hundred years ago as it is today. Germany and Austria-Hungary experienced mass unemployment, hyper-inflation, and government instability. The massive Austrian-Hungarian Empire fragmented while Germany suffered the humiliation of losing territory as Prussia became divided by an independent Poland. To say these nations were humiliated is an understatement. Once dominant empires in Europe were left to suffer in defeat. Although France and the UK tried to bridge divides throughout the 1920s, underlying tensions prevailed.
This continued humiliation was largely due to the Treaty of Versailles. To say this was merciful is a grossly incorrect analysis of history. German colonies and territories were seized. The land west of the Rhine was occupied by Allied soldiers and demilitarised while the new Weimar Republic was prohibited from having an air force. Yet, of most concern were reparations. These were set at an interim amount of 20 billion gold marks. To make it all the more embarrassing, the Treaty was signed in the Hall of Mirrors, the same place where the German Empire was proclaimed 48-years ago. When considering all the punishments imposed on Germany, British PM Lloyd George said:
“We shall have to fight another war again in 25 years-time.”
Although a few years off, Lloyd George’s predictions came true in September 1939. When looking at the lead up to the Second World War, the treatment of Germany has been of great concern to many historians. The demoralisation of society, weaknesses or the Weimar Republic, and the collapse of the German economy all contributed to Hitler’s rise to power. It is arguable that if the peace was not so tumultuous and burdensome, there would not have been such issues and Germany would not have been provoked to further retaliate.
Also important was the fragmentation of the international society. Although today we have the United Nations and an institutional framework unseen before, globalisation has never escaped the shadows of 1914-18. The UN’s antecedent, the League of Nations, had weak power as no world power would or could underpin its authority. In combination with the Depression and the already fracturing monetary and financial system, the inter-war system of global governance was damaged beyond repair.
This may seem like a history lesson, harping on the minute details of the days following armistice. But it is the past we must reflect on in order to have a prosperous future. Let us contrast the state of affairs in 1918 to now. Over the last few days, scenes of world leaders coming together were broadcast across the whole world. Paris, the centre of these commemorations, saw the leaders of the France, United States, Germany, Russia and also Canada and Australia come together to remember the fallen soldiers. Whilst a time of tribulation, it is also worth contrasting this to the current state of global politics. In the United States, the Trump Administration has been dealt a crucial blow, with Republicans losing the House of Representatives and the consequential scrutiny this places on his presidency by Democrats. With tensions still high regarding migration, Angela Merkel is now a lame-duck chancellor. Announcing her intentions to resign, Merkel is on the cusp of losing her authority whilst simultaneously throwing Germany into an abyss of political confusion. In addition, Russia remains a serious threat to the democratic principles of many states, with perceived fears of election tampering.
Yes, it is true that this world is facing some serious issues. Trump and Xi Jinping continue to pit the US and Chinese economies against each other. The North Korean issue remains unsettled and war in the Middle East is still ongoing. However, during these difficult times, marred by the insurgency of populism and extremist policies from all sides, countries still came together to pay tribute to those who sacrificed their lives. Such optimism can be seen in the close relations enjoyed by France and Germany. This was epitomised in the scenes from a plaque unveiling in the clearing of Rethondes in Compiegne. The holding of hands and banter both Merkel and Macron enjoyed emphasised a goodwill that would not have been believed in 1918
One-hundred years ago, many people around the world stopped to pay respect to the people who sacrificed their lives to uphold our values and our way of life. However, the days after marked the beginning of a new age. Was it successful? Obviously no as it ended in another war. But in order to avoid the same mistakes, we must reflect on our failures. A century after the guns fell silent, we are at another climax. With political tensions rife, it is crucial our leaders reflect no just on the loss of life, but on what needs to change in order to avert future war.
