In this discussion of the twentieth century, Martin Conway considers the implications of linking notions of military conflict and division with the emergence of modernity. The idea of World War II as the distinct dividing line between the present and past, and the ways in which it began a time where Europe was no longer the centre of everything, are analysed. Conway’s piece discusses the end of a world of difference and the beginning of a time in which common goals and globalisation become dominant. 

This article is extracted from Exploring and Teaching Twentieth Century History.