How WW1 Changed Art and Literature Forever: The Cultural Impact of the Great War

World War 1 (WW1) was a global conflict that changed the course of history. It wasn’t just a battle between countries, but a conflict between ideologies, cultures, and values. The impact of the Great War was far-reaching and affected every aspect of life, including art and literature. In this article, we will explore the cultural impact of WW1 on art and literature.

The Pre-War Era of Art and Literature

Before the outbreak of WW1, the art and literature scene was dominated by Victorian ideals of beauty and class. Art was primarily focused on aesthetics and was used as a means of escaping the harsh realities of the industrialized world. Similarly, literature focused on romanticism, love stories, and themes of chivalry.

However, with the onset of WW1, everything changed. The realities of war shattered the illusions of peace and tranquillity, which created a new era of art and literature. Artists and writers were no longer interested in superficial beauty but looked to portray the harsh realities of war through their work.

The Dawn of Modernism in Art and Literature

The Great War led to the birth of modernism in art and literature. Artists and writers began to experiment with new forms and techniques, as they sought to capture the dislocation and fragmentation of the post-war world. This is evident in the works of the famous poet T.S. Eliot, who used fragmented language to depict the post-war world’s confusion and disillusionment.

Painters such as Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque also used a fragmented and abstract style to represent the chaos of the post-war world. Cubism, which involved breaking down objects into geometric shapes, is a perfect example of this.

The Importance of Propaganda in Art and Literature

During WW1, propaganda was used extensively to rally support for the troops and the war effort. As such, many artists and writers began to incorporate propaganda themes into their work. One example of this is the famous poster of Lord Kitchener, which was used to recruit soldiers. The poster’s simple and direct message, “Your country needs you,” was a call to arms that had a significant impact on the people at the time.

Similarly, in literature, propaganda was used to create a sense of nationalism and unity. Examples include Rupert Brooke’s war sonnets and Wilfred Owen’s powerful anti-war poetry. These works were designed to showcase the horrors of war and create a sense of unity among the people.

The Cultural Impact of WW1 on Art and Literature

In conclusion, WW1 changed the course of history and had a significant impact on art and literature. It led to the birth of modernism, which destroyed traditional art forms’ constraints and led to a new era of experimentation and creativity. It also led to the use of propaganda in art and literature, which played a vital role in shaping public opinion during the war. Overall, WW1 changed the world and the way we think about art and literature forever.