Paths to a New Europe

The development of Europe accelerated from the middle of the 17th century with the formation of the nation states and the growth of empires. By the beginning of the 20th century, European empires dominated most of the world's surface - however, the two world wars brought the continent down from its peak of power. From 1945 to 1989, Europe lost its empires and fell under the influence of the two superpowers, the USA and the USSR; but with the decline and fall of the latter, Europe has since moved towards a new unity.
Paths to a New Europe considers the development of the continent from its origins through premodern to postmodern times, and provides a balanced treatment of Europe and of its wider global setting. Within the overall division of East and West Europe, each section is given due attention and Paul Dukes shows how cultural traditions, along with socio-economic differences and realignments of political power, have evolved over the centuries, still exerting influence as Europe moves towards unity after the collapse of the Eastern bloc and the end of the Cold War.

PAUL DUKES is Emeritus Professor of History at the University of Aberdeen. He has also held appointments with Washington, Maryland, Cornell and Auckland Universities.

List of Maps
Abbreviations
Preface
Origins: Europe before 1648: Mid-Century Crisis
The French Challenge: Responses West and East, 1648-1721
The Growth of Empire, 1721-1763
Enlightened Government, their Conflicts and their Critics, 1763-1789
Europe before 1789: Origins of the French Revolution
The French Revolution and Napoleon, 1789-1815
From Reaction Towards Liberalism, 1815-1848
Nationalism, Socialism, Imperialism, 1848-1878
The Clash of Empires and Classes, 1878-1914
Europe Before 1914: Origins of the World War and Russian Revolution
The First World War and the Russian Revolution, 1914-1921
Through Depression and Isolation Towards Another World War, 1921-1939
The Second World War and the Division of Europe, 1939-1945
Cold War and Decolonization, 1945-1968
Globalization: Collapse in the East: Readjustment in the West, 1968-1991, and After
Notes
Suggestions for Further Reading
Index.