World Wars I and II had a profound impact on global society. People around the world are feeling the direct and indirect consequences of this conflict. One of the main impacts is significant geopolitical change. World War I ended many global empires, such as those of Austria-Hungary and the Ottoman Empire, triggering the creation of new states with borders that often did not correspond to existing ethnic groups. This created ethnic tensions and conflicts that are still ongoing to this day. In a social context, the two wars brought about major changes in gender roles. Many women entered the workforce while men were away at war. This role led to increased awareness of gender equality and the launch of feminist movements in many countries. After the war, although many women were instructed to return home, this change still triggered a social shift that continues to this day. The war also had a major economic impact. World War II, in particular, sparked a wave of technological innovation and industrialization, with military production stimulating the economies of many countries, including the United States. However, the costs of the war also resulted in economic crises, including depression in Europe after World War I. This slow recovery set the stage for the rise of totalitarianism and the Cold War. In addition, both wars created millions of refugees. The war severely damaged infrastructure, forcing people to flee their homes. This refugee crisis demanded a coordinated response from the international community, ultimately creating institutions such as the United Nations. The institution aims to ensure global peace and stability, although challenges to achieving these goals remain. The psychological impact is also worth noting. The trauma experienced by soldiers and civilians during war creates increased attention to mental health. The UN and global health organizations are now focusing more on mental health as an integral part of societal well-being, making this an increasingly important issue especially for countries recently recovering from conflict. Cultural changes were also visible after the war, including art, literature, and films that reflected the war experience. Many works emerge as a result of reflection on suffering, loss, and hope for a better future. Composers, writers, and artists ultimately played an important role in documenting history in a more humane way. From an environmental perspective, war contributes to severe environmental damage. The use of toxic weapons and destructive warfare techniques causes pollution and damage to ecosystems that can affect future generations. This has also led to global awareness of the need for environmental protection in the context of conflict. Education was another area tarnished by the war. Schools and educational institutions are often targeted, resulting in the interruption of education for many children. However, post-war, education became a major focus in efforts to rebuild society, with countries investing more in the sector to ensure a brighter future. With far-reaching impacts that continue to be seen in many aspects of life, World Wars I and II changed global society forever. This transformation not only encompasses political and economic dimensions, but also includes social, cultural and environmental changes that enrich human narratives in efforts to maintain peace.
