The Age of Aniexty

Immediately following World War I was the Age of Anxiety. Why was it the Age of Anxiety? Well because everything people had believed in had pretty much been destroyed. Previously, people had faith in war. Most people believed world war one would be "quick and glorious" and even went off to war because of honor to their country. However, it was soon discovered WWI was nothing like they expected.

The destruction from the war did not only effect whole countries and governments but also effected the individual person. With all their beliefs shattered, they were left wondering pessimistic questions about humanity. As Nicole put it their "hope and light had crashed down." People began questioning the point of life and why they were here. Europeans had lost their moral compass along with most of their beliefs leaving them with essentially an existential crisis .

like Honey Boo Boo, Europe was questioning humanity at this time

An existential crisis is defined as "a moment in which an individual questions the very foundations of their life: whether their life has any meaning, purpose, or value" Europeans now had to find new answers to the questions of life. One man, John Paul Sarte stated "we are condemned to be free" meaning it would be easier for people to leave under someone else's control or at least some structure. His argument is supported by the fact if the structure of society had remained after WWI, Europe probably would not have been having an existential crisis during this time. 

One of the reasons Europe had lost structure was the loose of faith in the upper class. In the 19th century, people were still being born into positions of power. These people were the ones who made the decisions about fighting in the war. WWI made people loose faith in the upper class ruling. The upperclass was still in charge but without the faith of the people who had lost all trust in their leadership. 

WWI was a frightening experience for everyone. Even the winners of the war were left were post-war pessimism due to all the death and violence. Germany, though they were not the sole cause of the war, had lots of reason to be anxious during this time. One consequence for Germany along with the Ottoman empire was the Mandate System. The Mandate system took the territories from Germany and Ottoman empire is the middle east and divided them between the allies. The Ally country was supposed to "watch over" these countries as they developed. This system set up countries like Iran and Iraq.

Map of the Countries divided in Mandate System