What a wonderful century it could have been! Science and technology promised a magnificent future. The economy was booming, but at the same time, new kinds of weapons were now being built, in France and in Germany. The German Emperor, William II, wanted an international standing, war was looming. Despite peace movements on both sides, it wasn’t long before World War I broke out. Over 10 million people lost their lives. The Treaty of Versailles was supposed to protect France against arch enemy Germany, but in reality it fuelled the desire for revenge among many Germans.
