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
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