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In November 1918, Germany surrenders to the allies, bringing the First World War to an end. Monarchies and empires are swept away and all across Europe people struggle to survive.

The 1919 peace conference in Paris brings together the great powers that defeated Germany to ratify the treaty of Versailles.

The economic situation worsens with inflation and high unemployment. As famine strikes the people, riots erupt in many countries of Europe.

Moscow becomes the centre of international revolutionary fervour attracting freedom fighters and intellectuals from all over the world.

The twenties are a period of heady consumerism and wild financial speculation. But everything will change when the bubble bursts.

By 1932 the global economic crisis has led to record mass unemployment with violent street battles between left and right.

Mid 1930s: Germany reaches full employment and in Spain the civil war breaks out.

1938: Austria is annexed by Germany, the pogrom of Kristallnacht destroys Jewish shops and synagogues as war draws ever closer.