The Great Illusion

Definition

The Great Illusion is a concept that emerged in the aftermath of World War I, suggesting that the belief in war as a means to achieve national greatness and solve political problems is fundamentally misguided. This idea gained traction during the Versailles Conference and Peace Settlement as leaders sought to negotiate peace, but many still held onto the notion that military might could guarantee security and stability. The term highlights the disconnect between the hopes for a lasting peace and the prevailing attitudes that led to conflict.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Great Illusion was popularized by British writer Norman Angell, who argued that modern economies are so interconnected that war would be economically disastrous for all involved.
2. During the Versailles Conference, many leaders were initially hopeful that the new order would prevent future wars, yet they also clung to militaristic ideas.
3. Despite its message, The Great Illusion did not convince all leaders, leading to a resurgence of militarism in several nations during the interwar period.
4. The concept contributed to discussions around collective security, which aimed to establish a system to prevent war through international cooperation.
5. Ultimately, The Great Illusion was proven wrong when World War II erupted just two decades after the Versailles Settlement, showcasing the failure of the belief that war was an outdated means of resolving disputes.

Review Questions

• How did The Great Illusion challenge existing beliefs about war and international relations during the post-World War I era?
  • The Great Illusion questioned the traditional view that war was an effective tool for achieving national objectives and solving international disputes. It posited that modern economies were too intertwined for nations to engage in war without suffering mutual destruction. This perspective emerged during discussions at the Versailles Conference, where leaders aimed for peace yet struggled with lingering militaristic ideologies. The concept ultimately highlighted the need for more cooperative international relationships rather than reliance on military power.
• Discuss how The Great Illusion influenced the creation of collective security arrangements in the interwar period.
  • The Great Illusion underscored the importance of establishing systems of collective security among nations as a response to the devastation of World War I. By promoting the idea that an attack on one nation would threaten all, it encouraged countries to collaborate and form alliances aimed at deterring aggression. This shift in thinking was reflected in organizations like the League of Nations, which sought to promote peace and prevent future conflicts through diplomatic means rather than military confrontation.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of The Great Illusion on international relations leading into World War II.
  • The Great Illusion had profound long-term implications for international relations as it shaped attitudes toward warfare and diplomacy in the years leading up to World War II. While it initially fostered discussions about disarmament and collective security, many nations ultimately ignored its warnings, reverting back to militaristic approaches. As tensions grew and economic instability prevailed, the failure to fully embrace The Great Illusion's insights contributed to an environment ripe for conflict, culminating in another devastating world war just two decades later.

Related terms

Versailles Treaty:

The peace treaty that officially ended World War I, imposing heavy reparations and territorial losses on Germany.

Collective Security:

The concept that countries can achieve peace by forming alliances and ensuring that an attack on one is an attack on all.

Disarmament: The reduction or elimination of military forces and weapons, advocated by some during the interwar period as a way to prevent future conflicts.