They have wives, children, occupations, and interests, they have a background which is so strong that the war cannot obliterate it. We young men of twenty, however, have … little else--some enthusiasm, a few hobbies, and our school. Beyond this our life did not extend. And of this nothing remains … For the older men, it is but an interruption. They are able to think beyond it. We, however, have been gripped by it and do not know what the end may be. (Remarque, 1929, p. 11)”
Younger soldiers did not have much before the war, they stood on the threshold of life. This group of soldiers is often known as the lost generation.
“In the aftermath of the war there arose a group of young persons known as the "Lost Generation." … This referred to the lack of purpose or drive resulting from the horrific disillusionment felt by those who grew up and lived through the war, and were then in their twenties and thirties. Having seen pointless death on such a huge scale, many lost faith in traditional values like courage, patriotism, and masculinity. Some in turn became aimless, reckless, and focused on material wealth, unable to believe in abstract ideals.” (O’Connor).
These men experienced many awful things during the war which greatly affected them mentally and emotionally, and made it difficult for them to transition back into society when they returned