World Wars I and II changed the face of Europe drastically. These two global conflicts not only involve large countries, but also affect the daily lives of people, social structures and economies across continents. The long-term impacts left behind are complex and layered. First, the social impact of both wars included significant demographic changes. Many countries lost population drastically, both from deaths on the battlefield and from disease and famine. For example, in the aftermath of World War I, France lost nearly a million soldiers, resulting in gender imbalance and the loss of the younger generation. This creates challenges for communities in terms of regeneration. Second, refugees and population movement became crucial issues after the war. Hundreds of thousands of people have been forced to flee their homes due to violence and oppression. In Central and Eastern Europe, the creation of new states after the war caused millions of people to flee. Uncertainty about their status has a deep psychological impact, causing long-lasting generational trauma. Furthermore, the economic impact of the war cannot be ignored. Extensive infrastructure damage during the war led to a decline in industrial and agricultural production. Countries such as Germany and France struggled to recover from losses, resulting in a prolonged economic crisis, including inflation and high unemployment. International aid programs, such as the Marshall Plan after World War II, were vital in recovering European economies, but uneven development remained. On the political side, war encouraged the birth of new ideologies. Fascism and communism emerged as a response to the failure of democratic systems in many countries. Tensions between these countries often lead to internal conflicts and influence foreign policy. Citizens’ active involvement in politics increased, with many people realizing the importance of participation in government to prevent tyranny. Culture and art were also influenced by the experience of war. Many artists, writers and intellectuals express trauma and pain through their works. Art currents such as Dadaism and Surrealism often reflected the absurdity and helplessness of humans amidst the chaos of war. In addition, education is undergoing a transformation. Many countries are increasing their focus on education to rebuild more civilized societies. Education is then associated with democratic values and confidence in collective decisions. World Wars I and II also changed European views on international collaboration. Institutions such as the UN and the European Union were established as platforms to prevent future conflict. Awareness of the importance of diplomacy and dialogue between countries dominates efforts to rebuild peace. Technology and science developed rapidly due to military needs during the war, which indirectly had a positive impact on post-war society. Innovations in medicine, transportation, and communications are improving the quality of life in many countries. Thus, the impact of the World Wars on European society was a complex phenomenon, affecting almost every aspect of life. The experiences and lessons learned from this conflict are still relevant today, serving as a reminder of the importance of peace and cooperation.
