The efficient and creative technologies of the Industrial Revolution changed the way that people lived in the twentieth century. This was supposed to be the age of change, opportunity and prosperity! Few imagined that these same technologies would also change the way that people died. Few people expected World War I, but by the end of it, 10 million people—mostly young men—would be dead. Suddenly, the twentieth century didn't look quite so promising.

Question

During its time, people called World War I the "Great War." It was the largest and most violent war the world had ever seen. Great refers to size here, not the meaning "very good." And why did people not just say, “World War I”? The answer is simple; there hadn't been a World War II yet. The war came to be called World War I only after people needed to distinguish it from World War II. World War I lasted from 1914 to 1918 and involved the entire continent of Europe as well as many other countries from around the world.

Which of the following best describes the way society felt about the 20th century after World War I?

A
hopeless

B
optimistic

C
confident

D
rejuvenated

Answer 1

A. hopeless

The passage indicates that the optimistic view of the 20th century changed dramatically after the devastation and loss of life caused by World War I, leading to a less promising outlook.