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The European Civil War, 1914-1945

Vak
2009-2010

In 1914 prosperous Europe unwittingly ruined itself. Thirty years later the continent literally was in ruins and ninety millions dead and displaced persons were to be mourned. This seminar focuses on the question why these thirty years (1914-45) were so extremely violent and destructive. What forces have been unleashed in this period? To answer this question we will especially pay attention to the next themes: the many legacies of the First World War, the ethnic problems after 1918 caused by the decline of three large multi-ethnic empires, the battle between the three major ideologies – communism, fascism and liberal democracy – and the importance of the idea of a Racial Utopia.

Admission requirements

Entry-examination: M. Mazower, Dark Continent. Europe’s Twentieth Century (Londen etc. 1998), ch. 1 -7.

Time Table

Semester I, see timetables.

Method of Instruction

Research seminar; attendance is compulsory (see the rules and regulations of the Department of History, art. 2).

Course objectives

Students acquire thorough knowledge of the European history between 1914 and 1945 from a ‘transnational’ perspective. They acquire insights into historiographical controversies in this field, gain research practice in analysing primary sources and develop the skills required to present the results of their research.

Required reading

Stefan Zweig, Die Welt von gestern. Erinnerungen eines Europäers (1944). It is also allowed to purchase the english or dutch translation (The World of Yesterday resp. De wereld van gisteren).

Examination

Entry test, oral presentation, final paper.

Information

With the tutor: Dr. P.G.C. Dassen

Remarks

It is very useful when students are able to read German texts.

Enrolment

Please use this form to apply for MA courses.