Why was Esperanto created and why?

Esperanto was created by L.L. Zamenhof, a Polish ophthalmologist, in the late 19th century. He was motivated by a desire to create a universal language that would break down language barriers and promote international understanding and peace.

Here's a breakdown of his reasons:

* Nationalism and conflict: Zamenhof grew up in a region where tensions between different ethnic groups were high. He believed that language was a major obstacle to cooperation and understanding.

* Linguistic inequality: He observed that speakers of certain languages held more power and influence than others, leading to inequality.

* The desire for a common language: Zamenhof believed that a neutral language would allow people from different cultures to communicate and collaborate more effectively. He envisioned a world where language would no longer be a barrier to international cooperation, trade, and scientific progress.

Zamenhof's vision for Esperanto was not just about communication but about creating a more peaceful and harmonious world. He hoped that by fostering communication and understanding, it would reduce prejudice, discrimination, and conflict.

While Esperanto has not achieved the widespread adoption that Zamenhof envisioned, it remains a significant example of a constructed language designed to address social and political issues. Today, it's spoken by hundreds of thousands of people around the world and continues to be used in various communities and events.