Veteran’s Day in the U.S. marks a solemn occasion to reflect on the end of World War I, which came to a close at 11:00 AM on November 11, 1918. Initially, this day was established to honor the ceasefire and the soldiers who fought in what was then called the “War to End All Wars.”
In Britain, this day is observed as Remembrance Day, paying tribute to the lives lost in the Great War. As part of the commemoration, people traditionally wear poppies, which serve as a symbol of those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
The idea for wearing poppies stems from the famous poem “In Flanders Fields” by Canadian Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, whose words “In Flanders Fields the poppies blow, between the crosses row on row” have endured as a powerful reminder of the war’s toll. McCrae died in 1918, just before the war concluded.
Today’s global conflicts, like those in Gaza and Ukraine, reflect a far different geopolitical landscape than 1918
Today, the poppies carry a different connotation, especially in regions like Afghanistan, where they are associated with the opium trade. This shift highlights the transformation in global issues from the repercussions of the Great War to the challenges we face in the present day.
In 1918, the world’s attention was consumed by the conclusion of World War I. Meanwhile, today’s global conflicts, such as those in Gaza, Ukraine, and the Persian Gulf, dominate the headlines. Back then, the once mighty imperial powers of Germany and Russia lay in ruins, while Britain, though exhausted, remained a player. The U.S., largely untouched by the war, was emerging as an economic powerhouse, and Japan’s influence was beginning to rise in the Pacific.
Now, the United States and China hold the reins as the world’s foremost economic powers, with America still holding military superiority, though China is rapidly advancing in that arena. Russia, attempting to reassert its global influence, continues to challenge the existing order. Meanwhile, organizations like NATO and the European Union have grown in importance, both militarily and economically.
One issue that remains urgent today is the ongoing drug crisis, which has evolved from poppies and opium to synthetic substances like fentanyl. While the League of Nations failed to materialize in the result of the war, global institutions such as the United Nations now strive to address challenges ranging from climate change to international conflict resolution.
In 1918, Woodrow Wilson led the U.S., a president whose idealism and vision for a global community were eventually hindered by personal health struggles. By the time Wilson’s health deteriorated, his wife Edith effectively took on the role of de facto president. His dreams of creating a League of Nations fell apart when the Senate refused to ratify the Versailles Treaty, which ended the war.
Comparisons between Wilson’s presidency and Biden’s current administration are inevitable, with some critics arguing that Biden, like Wilson, may not be fit for office. Trump, is not seen as a globalist or an internationalist, and his approach has a far more America-centric focus, with no signs of waning energy or enthusiasm.
The most profound distinction between these two eras, however, lies in Trump’s “Make America Great Again” ideology. As World War I came to a close, the Spanish Flu spread across the globe, followed by a post-war economic downturn. However, under President Warren Harding, the U.S. experienced a remarkable economic boom, though it was short-lived, as the stock market crash of 1929 ushered in the Great Depression.
As America and China lead the economic sphere, Russia and international organizations like NATO continue to challenge the status quo
As Trump prepares to take office, he could take valuable lessons from this period in American history. His promises include ending the war in Ukraine, deporting large numbers of immigrants, and imposing tariffs. However, experts warn that tariffs could ignite a global recession and trade war, adding to the already substantial national debt of over $35 trillion.
Another approach would be for Trump to use the time before his inauguration to commission studies that assess the potential impacts of his proposed policies. Such evaluations should include not only foreign policy but also matters of national security, which would shape his administration’s strategy moving forward.
One area that requires attention is the national debt, which continues to rise despite efforts like Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act. Trump’s focus on expanding energy production could provide a boost to the economy, especially as emerging technologies like artificial intelligence drive up electricity demands. With the right incentives, the energy sector could emerge as a major contributor to economic growth.
It is difficult to predict whether Trump’s presidency will mirror the economic prosperity of Harding’s time. However, by leveraging the power generation and infrastructure sectors, the U.S. could see a period of growth. In this scenario, the symbolic poppy of 1918 may be replaced by the iconic red MAGA hat, signifying a new era in American prosperity.
