Germany, in the first half of the 20th Century, could probably claim to be one of the most civilised and educated countries in the world.

It started two World Wars.

I guess education and war go hand in hand. Perhaps what Adams should have said is, economic integration is the antidote to war. Not as catchy, though.

Someone else commented on Germany between 1900 and 1950.

Japan was easily the most educated country in Asia before WWII.

I don't know how Italy stacks up to the rest of Europe, but Italy was far more educated than Ethiopia before invading it before WWII.