Who is ready to talk pandemics? I know, I know. It’s probably the last thing anyone wants to dive into but bear with me.

Now that we’ve navigated our way through the recent pandemic, is it time to pause and reflect on the lessons we’ve learned—or perhaps failed to learn? Actually, it may take a few more years to conduct a comprehensive and honest retrospective that we can all agree on. But it’s crucial not to forget the sheer madness that ensued. Remember the toilet paper shortage during those early pandemic days? It’s essential to recall all of the chaos. And what about the 6-foot social distancing rule, which, in hindsight, lacked a solid scientific basis? Like seriously, it was just made up. Although, I am kind of good with people keeping their distance. But that is just me. “Trust the science,” remember that phrase? I could go on and on, but I don’t want this article to get shadowbanned on the socials.

However, suppose you’re interested in going deeper into the chaotic response. In that case, I highly recommend reading “The Real Anthony Fauci” by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Regardless of your political leanings, it offers an intriguing, albeit frustrating, perspective worth exploring with an open mind. As the old saying goes, those who fail to learn from history are destined to relive it—just as we saw with the forgotten Spanish Flu of 1918.

The Spanish Flu, A Deadly Pandemic

Let’s dig into that if you do a quick Google search for the Spanish Flu of 1918. You will read that The Spanish Flu pandemic of 1918 was one of the deadliest pandemics in history, claiming millions of lives worldwide.

The outbreak of the Spanish Flu in 1918 occurred during a critical time in World War I. The war, which started in 1914, had been ongoing for several years, and by 1918, it was reaching its climax. 

The flu outbreak added an additional layer of complexity to an already dire situation. It affected troop movements, weakened military forces, and strained healthcare systems, further exacerbating the challenges faced by countries involved in the conflict. The simultaneous occurrence of the flu pandemic and the war intensified the devastation experienced by nations worldwide during this period. Measures to slow its spread included quarantine, isolation, and face masks, but the response was often delayed and lacked coordination. Sound familiar?

During the war, governments worldwide focused on military operations and maintaining morale among their populations. As a result, news about the flu was often downplayed or suppressed in countries involved in the war to avoid undermining the war effort. Because, of course, it was.

Weird History Involving Kansas?

The term “Spanish Flu” can be misleading, suggesting that the virus originated in Spain. However, historical evidence suggests otherwise. While the exact origin of the flu is debated, many historians attribute its emergence to Haskell County, Kansas, rather than Spain. Spain’s neutrality during World War I allowed its media to report on the flu without censorship. Consequently, the extensive coverage of the flu’s impact in Spain led to the mistaken belief that the virus originated there.

Additionally, the Spanish Flu coincided with other major events, such as the signing of the Treaty of Versailles. That was the peace treaty that officially ended World War I. It was signed on June 28, 1919, at the Palace of Versailles in France, hence its name. The treaty was negotiated between the Allied Powers (primarily the United States, United Kingdom, France, and Italy) and Germany.

The Treaty of Versailles imposed significant penalties and restrictions on Germany, holding it responsible for the war and its damages. Among its provisions, Germany was required to disarm, pay reparations to the Allied countries, and cede territory to neighboring nations. Many historians argue that the treaty’s punitive measures against Germany contributed to the conditions that led to the outbreak of World War II. But that is an article for another day.

History Repeats Itself

After the Spanish Flu pandemic of 1918, society in the 1920s experienced a period of recovery and rebuilding. As the pandemic subsided, people resumed normal activities, and economies gradually recovered from the disruptions caused by the outbreak. This period saw significant social and cultural changes, including the Roaring Twenties, characterized by economic prosperity, technological advancements, and cultural innovation.

In the aftermath of the pandemic, there was a renewed focus on public health infrastructure and disease prevention measures. Governments and healthcare systems invested in improving sanitation, healthcare access, and disease surveillance to prevent future outbreaks. Additionally, advancements in medical research and understanding of infectious diseases were made, contributing to developing vaccines and treatments.

Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, society adapted and moved forward. The 1920s witnessed economic growth, urbanization, and social change, as well as the emergence of new cultural trends such as jazz music, the Harlem Renaissance, and the flapper lifestyle. Overall, the resilience and adaptability of communities helped pave the way for recovery and progress in the post-pandemic era.

Interestingly, the exuberance of the Roaring Twenties has not been replicated a century later. However, considering that that decade concluded with the Wall Street Crash of 1929, triggering the onset of the Great Depression, perhaps avoiding a repeat is not entirely unwelcome.

Valuable Lessons of The Spanish Flu

Despite its magnitude, it’s intriguing to observe how the latest pandemic has gradually receded from the headlines amid the resurgence of larger stories, particularly the conflicts in Ukraine and beyond, which once again dominate the news cycle. It’s a familiar pattern; no matter the scale of devastation, life persists, and we continue to move forward. Sometimes, we heed the lessons of the past, but even those lessons can fade into obscurity, leading to history repeating itself.

However, as we confront fresh challenges and uncertainties, the wisdom acquired from history remains invaluable. The resilience exhibited by communities underscores the significance of solidarity and determination. While we might not relive the full fervor of the Roaring Twenties, our historical journey reinforces our capacity to overcome hurdles and points the way toward a brighter tomorrow.

But if all else fails, please promise me that you won’t go buy up all of the toilet paper again.