The Age of Dictators: Europe 1914-1945

Catalog description

This course focuses on the great crises of 20th century European civilization, from the outbreak of war in August 1914 to the defeat of Hitler Germany in May 1945. Through novels and historical monographs, it explores the effects of total war and mass mobilization on the industrially advanced state systems of the period, as well as the social emancipation, economic disintegration, and cultural innovation brought on by the great wars of the period. Particular attention is paid to the experience of the "great powers" (Germany, the Soviet Union, Britain and France), which is supplemented by student research on the smaller countries of Europe. (Prerequisites: HIST300/HS334 for History and Military History majors only)