What effect did World War I have on European political landscapes?

The aftermath of World War I significantly altered the political landscapes of Europe, most notably through the establishment of new nations and the propagation of revolutionary ideologies. The war precipitated the collapse of several empires, including the Austro-Hungarian, Ottoman, Russian, and German empires, leading to the creation of new states based on national self-determination. For instance, countries such as Czechoslovakia and Yugoslavia emerged from the disintegration of larger empires.

Additionally, the war fostered the spread of revolutionary ideologies, particularly communism and fascism. The Russian Revolution of 1917, spurred in part by discontent from the war, established a communist regime that influenced other countries grappling with their governance in the post-war period. The socio-economic upheaval and the devastated economies in many regions created fertile ground for radical ideologies as people sought alternative political solutions to address their grievances.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately capture the widespread changes that occurred. Monarchies were largely weakened—many, like in Germany and Russia, were dismantled rather than strengthened. Colonial expansion was not a direct effect of World War I; instead, the focus turned inward as countries dealt with the consequences of the war