History – AO4 | e-Consult

The statement that representations of the First World War have changed dramatically since 1918 is demonstrably true. Initially, the war was largely mythologized through patriotic propaganda, emphasizing national heroism, sacrifice, and the righteousness of the Allied cause. This narrative, carefully constructed by governments and the press, aimed to maintain public support for the war effort and suppress dissent. However, the interwar period saw the emergence of disillusioned perspectives, particularly in literature and art, which challenged the official narrative and exposed the horrors of trench warfare. Works like Erich Maria Remarque's *All Quiet on the Western Front* offered a starkly different portrayal of the war, focusing on the psychological trauma and physical devastation experienced by ordinary soldiers. The Second World War and the Holocaust further impacted representations, leading to a greater emphasis on the war's moral dimensions and the atrocities committed during the conflict. The post-war era witnessed a proliferation of documentaries, films, and memorials that sought to grapple with the war's legacy, exploring themes of loss, trauma, and the fragility of human life. More recently, the rise of new historical methodologies, such as social history and cultural history, has led to a more nuanced understanding of the war's impact on society, including the experiences of women, minorities, and the working class. Furthermore, the development of technology, such as CGI and virtual reality, has enabled new and immersive ways of representing the war, allowing audiences to experience the past in a more visceral and impactful manner. Therefore, the representations of the First World War have undergone a profound transformation since 1918, shaped by a complex interplay of political, social, and technological factors.