History of the 20th Century 2105-EPE-L-D1HICE

The course introduces students into the main themes, events, developments and processes of the 20th century, as well as their various interpretations.

Compared to other periods, 20th century is unique due to: 1) its closeness to the times we live in, 2) incredible richness of events, developments and changes of profound historic significance, 3) the number of available sources and records, including pictures, films and audio recordings. All these aspects of the 20th century make studying this period, in comparison with other epochs, both easier and, at the same time, more complex and challenging for students as well as scholars.

As all accounts of the 20th century history are necessarily selective, it is ultimately the choice of leading topics that decides about the character of this course. The previous century may be considered as the period shaped mostly by unprecedented, devastating wars and their consequences, as well as by tragic cases of organized genocide. It can be seen from the perspective of evolution of liberal-democratic ideas and regimes, and their confrontations with totalitarian and authoritarian systems. Another possibility highlights the significance of scientific, technological and economic progress, leading to immense social, cultural and political transformations.

Taught by a political scientist, not a historian by training, the course tries to include and balance various approaches. It focuses, though, mostly on the main political, social and economic developments, particularly those affecting Europe, i.e. on issues which correlate best with interests and educational needs of the EPE students.

Special emphasis will be put on mastering students’ ability not only to understand and interpret the key events and turning points in the history of the 20th century, but also to assess their long-term consequences in a wider historical and geopolitical context.

Among topics presented and discussed during the course are:
- The concept of history and the challenges of studying the 20th century history.
- The origins and consequences of the WWI.
- The crisis of parliamentary democracy and the rise of fascism and Nazi movements in post-WWI Europe.
- WW II - its origins, main military and geopolitical developments, consequences.
- Communist project, its realization and collapse.
- Cold War – main developments.
- Process of decolonization and its consequences for the world order.
- Socio-economic developments: crises, new ideas and models of economic development.
- European integration – origins, evolution, challenges.
- Major scientific and technological advancements and breakthroughs.

The course introduces students into the main themes, events, developments and processes of the 20th century, as well as their various interpretations.

Compared to other periods, 20th century is unique due to: 1) its closeness to the times we live in, 2) incredible richness of events, developments and changes of profound historic significance, 3) the number of available sources and records, including pictures, films and audio recordings. All these aspects of the 20th century make studying this period, in comparison with other epochs, both easier and, at the same time, more complex and challenging for students as well as scholars.

As all accounts of the 20th century history are necessarily selective, it is ultimately the choice of leading topics that decides about the character of this course. The previous century may be considered as the period shaped mostly by unprecedented, devastating wars and their consequences, as well as by tragic cases of organized genocide. It can be seen from the perspective of evolution of liberal-democratic ideas and regimes, and their confrontations with totalitarian and authoritarian systems. Another possibility highlights the significance of scientific, technological and economic progress, leading to immense social, cultural and political transformations.

Taught by a political scientist, not a historian by training, the course tries to include and balance various approaches. It focuses, though, mostly on the main political, social and economic developments, particularly those affecting Europe, i.e. on issues which correlate best with interests and educational needs of the EPE students.

Special emphasis will be put on mastering students’ ability not only to understand and interpret the key events and turning points in the history of the 20th century, but also to assess their long-term consequences in a wider historical and geopolitical context.

Among topics presented and discussed during the course are:
- The concept of history and the challenges of studying the 20th century history.
- The origins and consequences of the WWI.
- The crisis of parliamentary democracy and the rise of fascism and Nazi movements in post-WWI Europe.
- WW II - its origins, main military and geopolitical developments, consequences.
- Communist project, its realization and collapse.
- Cold War – main developments.
- Process of decolonization and its consequences for the world order.
- Socio-economic developments: crises, new ideas and models of economic development.
- European integration – origins, evolution, challenges.
- Major scientific and technological advancements and breakthroughs.

1. “A History of the World. From the 20th to the 21st Century”, by J.A.S. Grenville.
2. “International History of the Twentieth Century and Beyond”, by A. Best and other authors.
3. “Mastering Modern World History”, by N. Lowe.
4. “The Oxford History of Modern Europe”, by T.W.C. Blanning (ed.).
5. “A Concise History of Modern Europe”, by D.S. Mason.

All reading materials will be emailed to students in advance.

1. “A History of the World. From the 20th to the 21st Century”, by J.A.S. Grenville.
2. “International History of the Twentieth Century and Beyond”, by A. Best and other authors.
3. “Mastering Modern World History”, by N. Lowe.
4. “The Oxford History of Modern Europe”, by T.W.C. Blanning (ed.).
5. “A Concise History of Modern Europe”, by D.S. Mason.

All reading materials will be emailed to students in advance.

Organization of the course, particularly the methods and criteria of assessment, take into consideration two options: 1) the main one, based on in-person, in-class learning, 2) alternative, in case of the need to switch to an online learning mode, depending on the pandemic situation.