HIST 122 Rise, Fall, and Rebirth: Europe Since the Enlightenment

The course focuses on the rise, fall, and re-emergence of Europe as a global political, economic, and cultural force in the modern age. We begin with the Enlightenment in the 18th century and the dissemination of European power in the 19th century through capitalism, the industrial revolution, nationalism, and imperialism.  We then turn to Europe’s crisis in the 20th century with attention to World War I, Fascism and Nazism, and the Holocaust, to be followed by rebirth in the form of reconstruction and European unity. Specific topics addressed include the French Revolution, the birth of capitalism, the rise of the nation-state, colonialism and decolonization, liberalism, socialism, communism, changes in family structure and gender relations, and the movements for women's, workers’, and minority rights.

Survey Requirement Met: Europe