From enthusiasm to outrage : emotional dynamics during the First World War in Habsburg Galicia

The article analyzes the intertwining of emotions associated with the beginning and end of the First World War, illustrating their complexity and evolution, with a focus on Habsburg Galicia and its inhabitants during said war. In the context of the war outbreak in 1914, emotions such as contempt, anger, or lack of respect for the state were influenced by both current events and the background of pre-war moods. Rooted in political aspects, these emotions were a result of prolonged national conflicts and politics. In contrast, the conclusion of the war is portrayed as a period of brief wartime experience, triggering social dissatisfaction due to shortages, hunger, and cold. Emotions expressed during protests indicated criticism of economic policies, later transitioning to political aspects related to treaties and peace demands. The evolution of emotions from the beginning to the end of the war sheds light on the changing social and political contexts of this tumultuous period. This article argues as well how the emotions were connected with the community, which makes them more collective than individual.