History of Europe

What prejudices happened during World War 1?

World War 1 was a time of great upheaval and change, and it brought with it a number of prejudices that were prevalent at the time. These included:

Racism: Racism was a major factor in World War 1, with many countries fighting over the control of colonies and the exploitation of their resources. This led to a number of racist stereotypes and beliefs about different ethnic groups, which were used to justify discrimination and violence.

Anti-Semitism: Anti-Semitism was also widespread in Europe at the time, and it played a significant role in the lead up to World War 1. Many people believed that Jews were responsible for the war and that they were a threat to the security of their countries. This led to a number of anti-Semitic policies and laws, as well as violence against Jewish communities.

Classism: Classism was another major prejudice during World War 1, with the upper classes often looking down on the lower classes and considering them to be inferior. This led to a number of discriminatory practices and laws, which limited the opportunities of the lower classes and made them more vulnerable to poverty and exploitation.

Sexism: Sexism was also prevalent during World War 1, with women often being seen as inferior to men and denied the same opportunities. This led to a number of discriminatory practices, such as the exclusion of women from many jobs and professions and the denial of their right to vote.

Xenophobia: Xenophobia, or the fear of foreigners, was also common during World War 1, with many countries fearing the influence of other cultures and religions. This led to a number of discriminatory policies, such as the internment of foreign citizens and the restriction of immigration.

These are just some of the prejudices that were prevalent during World War 1. They played a significant role in the conflict and they had a lasting impact on the lives of millions of people.