Fragments of History: World Wars that Changed the World World Wars I and II, two global conflicts that shook the world order, left a deep mark on human history. World War I (1914-1918) is known as the “Great War”. Driven by military alliances, nationalism, and imperialism, this war rocked Europe, claimed millions of lives, and drastically changed the political landscape. The involvement of multiple nations, including Britain, France, Germany, and the Austro-Hungarian Empire, created complexities that led to iconic battles such as the Battles of the Somme and Verdun. World War II (1939-1945) surpassed a similar scale, with more than 100 million people involved. This conflict was motivated by the rise of totalitarianism in Germany, Italy, and Japan. Decisive battles such as the Battle of Stalingrad and D-Day became symbols of the struggle against fascist and authoritarian rule. This war was not just a military battle, but also gave rise to the terror of the Holocaust, where millions of Jews and other minorities became victims of brutal genocidal policies. The post-World War II era marked the birth of two large blocs: the United States as the leader of the western world and the Soviet Union as a communist power. The creation of the UN in 1945 was intended to prevent future conflict and defend human rights. The Cold War replaced tensions between these two powers, focusing on the nuclear arms race and ideological expansion. Technological innovation during the two world wars was significant, from chemical weapons and tanks, to fighter aircraft and radar. All of this contributed to the evolution of military tactics and war strategy in the future. Additionally, both wars gave rise to independence movements in various parts of the world, especially in Asia and Africa, as colonial countries struggled to define their post-war national identities. Social and cultural aspects are also affected. World War I accelerated changes in gender roles, with women entering the workforce en masse, while in World War II, many women played roles in industrial and military production. This dynamic helped drive the feminist movement in subsequent decades. The international community is also undergoing transformation. After World War II, many countries ratified international treaties to prevent a repeat of similar tragedies. Various organizations, such as NATO and the non-aligned movement, were formed to ensure global stability and peace. World Wars I and II are not just military history; they are a reminder that social, political, and economic change is deeply influenced by human actions and decisions. Understanding this historical fragment is fundamental to understanding the current world context and the challenges that remain, such as persistent conflict, climate change, and social injustice, all of which are rooted in complex dynamics that date back more than a century. Schreber.