First published in 1969, How the World Changed: Volume 1 1900-1939 is the first of two volumes that together outline the political history of the twentieth century up to 1968.

This volume extends from 1900-1939 and explores life prior to, during, and after the First World War. In doing so, it covers significant political events and features of the period, including the Chinese Revolution and the rise of Japan, the different stages of the First World War, the peace process, the Russian Revolution, economic challenges, and the British Empire and Commonwealth.