Pre-World War II

Pre-World War II was a period marked by significant global changes and developments, eventually leading to the outbreak of the war. Here are some insights from various experts discussing different aspects of this era:

1. Economic Shifts Pre-WWI: Historian Niall Ferguson on The Ben Shapiro Show explores the global economic landscape leading up to World War I. By 1910, the United States had the largest GDP, with Germany rising rapidly. The British Empire, including the British Raj, was also a dominant economic force. This economic competition contributed to the tensions leading to World War I 1.

2. Impact of World War I on Global Capital Flows: Eric Rauchway, on the EconTalk, describes how World War I transformed the United States from the world's largest borrower to its biggest creditor, replacing the UK. This shift disrupted global capital flows and impacted the ability of countries to rebuild their economies post-war 2.

3. Effects of Pre-WWII Scientific Research: Dr. Peter Attia discusses how World War II tainted scientific research originating from Germany. Before the war, Germany was a leader in physiology and other sciences. Post-war, there was a significant shift in scientific paradigms, particularly in nutrition and obesity research, showing a transition from German to English dominance in scientific literature 3.

   • 

     1

     Pre-World War I Economy

     00:14:14
     
   • 

     2

     Global Capital Shift

     00:04:51
   • 

     3

     Sugar, Tobacco, Science

     00:33:47
   • 

     4

     Globalization and War

     01:33:34
     
   • 

     5

     The Impact of World War II

     01:05:14
     

4. Bretton Woods Agreement: Daniel Schmachtenberger explains how, post-WWII, the Bretton Woods Agreement established new international economic frameworks like the United Nations, the World Bank, and the IMF. These institutions aimed to prevent further superpower conflicts and promote global economic cooperation, an effort partly rooted in the need to stabilize international relations after the major wars 4.

5. Economics of Post-WWI Leading to WWII: Various economic and political dynamics led from the end of World War I through the interwar period into World War II. Byrne Hobart examines how the US emerged with relatively less economic strain compared to other countries, which faced severe food shortages and economic hardships. This disparity shaped the post-war recovery efforts and the eventual rise to global prominence of the US 5.

These insights provide a multifaceted view of the pre-World War II era, highlighting the significant economic, political, and scientific shifts that contributed to global tensions and transformations.