World War I changed our outlook. It normalized cynicism and irony, which I think you'll agree are the dominant lenses for describing our world today. Basically, I'd argue that World War I helped make possible everything from The Simpsons to intentionally unattractive mustaches. Mr. Green, Mr. Green, are you referring to me? Oh, me from the past. You're an embarrassment to our family, also to all our other selves. Most people think of World War I as a tragedy, because it didn't need to happen, and it didn't accomplish much except for creating social and economic conditions that made World War II possible.