How did World War I affect Breton literature and its speakers?

World War I had a profound impact on Breton literature, primarily due to the significant loss of life among Breton speakers during the conflict. This demographic toll, combined with the shifting cultural landscape, marked the end of an era for the language's literary tradition.1

The war served as a catalyst for a new literary movement. In the aftermath, writers began to move away from traditional Breton models, seeking greater openness to the influences of contemporary European literatures. This shift culminated in the mid-1920s with the establishment of the periodical Gwalarn ("Northwest"), which fostered a new generation of authors who produced diverse works including novels, plays, and translations.1

While the war claimed prominent figures such as the poet Y.-B. Kalloc’h, it also underscored the resilience of the language's advocates. The period following the conflict saw a concerted effort to modernize the language and its literary output, moving toward a more contemporary focus that persisted throughout the 20th century.12