Historical Context

1984

'1984' was written between the years of 1947-48, only 2-3 years after the end of World War II. This conflict of immense proportions, the outcome of which was critical to the survival of democracy, inspired George Orwell to consider the tenuousness of the people’s rule.

Historical Period

"1984" was written in 1948, during the post-World War II era and the early Cold War.

Importance of the historical period

The book reflects Orwell's concerns about the rise of oppressive governments like Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union, and serving as a warning during the early Cold War era about the dangers of unchecked political power and surveillance.

Cultural Background

The reflects the culture of the mid-20th century, of pervasive influence of propaganda, the suppression of dissent, and the manipulation of truth, mirroring societal fears of losing personal autonomy and the impact of mass media on public perception.

Period Influence

The aftermath of World War II influenced the creation of this book, leading to Orwell reflect deeply, through this book, of totalitarianism regimes.

Continue down for the complete historical context to 1984

Emma Baldwin

Article written by Emma Baldwin

B.A. in English, B.F.A. in Fine Art, and B.A. in Art Histories from East Carolina University.

Orwell, a deep proponent of socialism, had his doubts during the Second World War that Great Britain would be able to make it to the other side with its governmental systems intact. He feared for the future of his country and its ability to win the war and recover from the losses it suffered. 1984 serves as a warning against complacency. Nothing about democratic systems should be taken for granted. Additionally, as technology develops, governments are only going to become more powerful.

While the historical context of the novel is important, what is perhaps even more so is the relevance it continues to have, seventy years after it was completed. The novel was translated into 65 languages and has been enjoyed by people all over the world. This speaks to fear still present in contemporary society that George Orwell’s vision of a world consumed by its own technology, able to monitor and arrest its citizens at any time, and kill without consequence, is possible. 

World War II did not bring about the end of totalitarian rule. Countries still suffer under the hand of burgeoning or well established dictatorial systems, making it unlikely that 1984 will ever truly lose their relevance. 

Publication and Legacy 

The book was finished while George Orwell was ill on the Scottish island of Jura. After the novel was published, it was revealed that Orwell was divided between the title, The Last Man in Europe and 1984. The latter was eventually chosen by his publisher, and put forward by Orwell as an inversion of the year that the novel was finished. This was an obvious attempt to relate the imagined world of 1984 to that of 1948. 

1984 was first published in the United Kingdom in June of 1949. Since its publication, the novel has become incredibly popular. It solidified George Orwell’s legacy. His surname has become an adjective (Orwellian) synonymous with totalitarian states and dystopian systems. Some of the most poignant moments in the book were created through the invention of new terms and phrases. Many of these have come into common use today as well, the most prominent being “Big Brother”. 

1984 by George Orwell Digital Art

1984 Quiz

Step into the dystopian world of George Orwell's 1984! Are you ready to test your knowledge of Big Brother, Newspeak, and Oceania? Take the challenge now and prove your mastery of Orwell's 1984!

1 / 20

Where does Winston work?

2 / 20

What is the primary function of the Ministry of Plenty?

3 / 20

What is the official language of Oceania?

4 / 20

How does Winston feel when he first meets Julia?

5 / 20

What does the paperweight symbolize for Winston?

6 / 20

What is the significance of the phrase "2 + 2 = 5" in the novel?

7 / 20

What does the character of O'Brien represent in the novel?

8 / 20

What is the significance of the Chestnut Tree Café in 1984?

9 / 20

Who does Winston believe has the power to overthrow the Party?

10 / 20

What is Room 101?

11 / 20

What does Winston read to learn about the Party’s true nature?

12 / 20

What does O'Brien use to torture Winston in Room 101?

13 / 20

Who is the protagonist of 1984?

14 / 20

What does Winston write in his secret journal?

15 / 20

Who is Julia in 1984?

16 / 20

Which of the following best describes the concept of doublethink?

17 / 20

Who betrays Winston and Julia?

18 / 20

What is the main setting of 1984?

19 / 20

What does Winston discover about Mr. Charrington?

20 / 20

What is the main purpose of the Ministry of Truth?

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Emma Baldwin

About Emma Baldwin

B.A. in English, B.F.A. in Fine Art, and B.A. in Art Histories from East Carolina University.

Emma Baldwin, a graduate of East Carolina University, has a deep-rooted passion for literature. She serves as a key contributor to the Book Analysis team with years of experience.

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