19251965

1925–1965 refers to a historical span that covers the late interwar era, World War II, and the early decades of the Cold War. It was a period of sweeping political, economic, and social change that reshaped nations and international relations.

In the late 1920s economic growth and cultural change were followed by the Great Depression beginning in 1929, which prompted broad policy experimentation and varied responses around the world. The 1930s saw the rise of totalitarian movements in several countries, militarization, and aggression that culminated in World War II (1939–1945). The war ended with Allied victory, the Holocaust, and major territorial and political realignments.

After 1945, the postwar order established new institutions and norms. The United Nations, Bretton Woods financial system, and multilateral aid programs underpinned economic reconstruction and cooperation. The wartime alliance gave way to a bipolar Cold War, pitting the United States and its allies against the Soviet Union and its blocs. The era also witnessed widespread decolonization as many countries in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East gained independence from European powers.

Technological and social change accelerated during this period. Mass production, electrification, and advancing communications transformed economies and daily life. The space age began in the late 1950s, accompanied by rapid advances in science and technology. Social movements—civil rights struggles, feminism, student activism, and evolving gender roles—shaped politics and culture. By the mid-1960s, ongoing conflicts, reforms, and migrations continued to redefine global order.