Europe - Post WWII

How is it that Europe became a socialist continent? To basically summarize this whole post, I would like to say that I personally think that Europe got chewed up so bad during both World Wars that the German, Dutch, British, etc. people were so lost and confused that they were willing to turn to any form of government that would offer them security. Thankfully, because of Communism's obvious detrimental effect on Russia and its armed forces, Europe did not go as far as to adopt a communistic form of government, but instead became a Socialist continent. I think socialism is a couple steps behind communism. How is it that Europe went from such a conservative, religious continent to what it is now? Netherlands is probably the more liberal country in the EU. Male prostitution, legal drugs, state run schools, and national healthcare characterize this small but populous country. A hundred years ago, it was a much different country. My grandparents on my dad's side of the family immigrated in the 1940's to the east coast. They met on the ship as they were leaving their home country. My mom's side of the family were immigrants from Germany who also came during WWII and moved to the east coast. I feel like some of my idenity and history is in both Germany and the Netherlands. The Dutch especially were notorious for their tough spirit. I see that especially in my dad's parents, both of which have been through alot of hardships, and are stronger than ever. They tell me about how the Germans took all their food when they invaded Holland, and the Dutch had to eat tulips just to stay alive. It seems that a whole generation of truly amazing people are fading away quickly.