**This class will be taught In-Person**
At the end of the 19th century, Europeans seemed to dominate the globe and the future, exercising vast military, economic, political, and cultural power; over the following hundred years, however, Europe became the central battlefield in three wars and saw its preeminence fade in the face of American ascendency, Russian force, and the diffusion of power across the entire world. Amid these developments, Europeans became “modern” while struggling to come to terms with their past. We will explore the political, economic, and cultural aspects of European history over this period.
Week 1 – Up to 1900: Introduction; Who’s who and what’s where in 19C Europe; Fin-de-siecle culture, Becoming modern
Week 2 – 1900-1920: WWI: Causes, Course, and Consequences
Week 3 – 1917-1935: The Great Depression, Communism & Fascism
Week 4 – 1935-1950: WWII: Causes, Course, and Consequences
Week 5 – 1945-1980: A Cold War; the End of Empires; New Societies, New Wealth, New Problems
Week 6 –1980-2000: Fall of Communism; Rise of European Integration; Into the 21st Century
