Final answer:
The wisdom of seeking normalcy post-WWI is complex; it involved a societal preference for isolation and healing after the traumas of war and global challenges. President Harding's vision for America's retreat from international politics mirrored society's desire for stability and prosperity, compelling the nation towards isolationism despite Europe's economic and political crises.
Step-by-step explanation:
Seeking a return to normalcy after World War I was a complex challenge met with both support and opposition among Americans and the international community. War-weariness and the desire to avoid further conflict were prominent, as global trauma from the war and its consequences were profound. The term normalcy itself comes from President Warren G. Harding's campaign and his vision for post-war America which was one of healing, economic recuperation, and a retreat from international entanglements, reflected in society's push for isolationism.
The aftermath of World War I involved not only physical and emotional devastation, but also economic and ideological shifts. In many places, traditional structures were upended, and new ideologies took root. The United States emerged as an economic power as the 1920s ushered in a decade of prosperity. However, the economic troubles in Europe, particularly for Germany due to crippling reparations, and the growth of totalitarianism posed substantial challenges to international stability. This environment influenced the public's inclination towards isolationism, even as some sought to learn from the war's senselessness and to build a better future through institutions like the League of Nations.