While wars led to many transformative changes in societal norms, some did revert to their pre-war states. One notable example is women's roles post-World Wars. Despite proving their capabilities in roles traditionally held by men during the wars, societal expectations, after the wars, pressured many women to return to their pre-war roles as homemakers. This was particularly pronounced in the 1950s, where there was a significant push for women to leave the workforce and embrace domesticity. However, it's crucial to note that while there was a reversion, the groundwork for future feminist movements had been set, and these norms would be challenged again in subsequent decades.

Wars, especially the World Wars, greatly catalysed the emergence of pacifist literature and arts, as artists and writers expressed their disillusionment with the senseless carnage. British war poets like Wilfred Owen in poems such as "Dulce et Decorum Est" countered the idea that dying for one's country was glorious. Similarly, novels like "All Quiet on the Western Front" by Erich Maria Remarque painted a grim picture of war from the soldier's perspective, emphasising the pointlessness of the conflict. In the realm of visual arts, Pablo Picasso's "Guernica" depicted the horrors of the bombing of a Basque town during the Spanish Civil War, serving as a powerful anti-war statement.

Cinema played a dual role in both shaping and reflecting societal opinions about war. During wartime, many films served as propaganda tools, bolstering public morale and promoting nationalistic sentiments. For example, British films during World War II, such as "Went the Day Well?" presented narratives of resilience and unity against the enemy. However, post-war cinema often took a more critical stance. Films like "The Bridge on the River Kwai" or "Paths of Glory" scrutinised the morality and decisions of war leaders and the futility of war. Such films didn't just reflect society's growing introspection but also actively shaped public opinion, driving home the tragedies and complexities of war.

Following the war, there was a noticeable surge in single-parent households, predominantly led by mothers due to the high number of male casualties. This shift had multiple implications on societal values and child-rearing practices. With the absence of traditional male figures, many women had to assume roles that demanded both emotional nurturing and financial support. This led to a gradual shift towards more egalitarian child-rearing practices, fostering values of resilience, independence, and adaptability in children. The notion of the "nuclear family" was also challenged, and extended families or communities often came together to assist in child-rearing, thus strengthening community bonds and promoting collective values over individualistic ones.

Yes, the post-war distrust in authority indeed instigated significant political movements and shifts in governance structures. The sheer scale of devastation and perceived incompetency or deceit by leaders made many citizens question the decisions of their governments. For instance, the Treaty of Versailles' repercussions and the economic hardships that followed World War I contributed to the rise of extremist movements, most notably the Nazis in Germany. Similarly, the post-World War II era saw the rise of decolonisation movements, as colonies sought independence from European powers, believing self-governance would better cater to their interests. The loss of faith in traditional establishments often led to political upheavals, revolutions, or changes in governance models.