Student Question
How did World War I impact the soldiers?
Quick answer:
World War I profoundly impacted soldiers through the horrors of modern warfare, including chemical weapons and close combat. Many soldiers suffered severe physical injuries, with advancements in medicine saving lives but often leaving them maimed. The psychological trauma was significant, leading to the first recognition of post-traumatic stress disorder. While European soldiers faced devastating conditions, American soldiers experienced cultural exposure, broadening their perspectives, as reflected in cultural expressions like the song "How Ya Gonna Keep Them Down on the Farm?"
World War I was one of the most horrible wars in history. Because of this, it had a terrible impact on many of the soldiers. Of course, millions of soldiers were simply killed or wounded. The war impacted them in obvious ways. But even many of those who came through unscathed physically were traumatized by the things that they had seen. This can be seen in the poetry of such people as Sigfried Sassoon (who survived the war) and Wilfred Owen (who did not).
In America, at least, some of the soldiers were impacted in a different way. They were exposed to a whole new way of life that they had never seen before. In this way, the war broadened their horizons. This can be seen in title of the song that asked "How Ya Gonna Keep Them Down on the Farm? (After They've Seen Paree)." In this way, the war had a less negative effect, at least on some soldiers in the US.
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