The Making and Unmaking of Europe from the 1870s to the present (V1319)

15 credits, Level 5

Autumn teaching

This module addresses European history from the late 19th century to the present. 

In this module, we’ll explore:

  • the massive destruction during the Second Thirty Years' War (1914–1945)
  • the economic "miracles" in Western Europe, like France's ‘Trente Glorieuses,’ West Germany's ‘Wirtschaftswunder,’ and Italy's ‘miracolo economico,’ alongside attempts to build socialist utopias in Eastern Europe (1945–1975).

This period of incredible prosperity eventually led to the rise of the modern neo-liberal global age (post-1975). You'll analyse what drove these changes by comparing different countries and identifying key themes, looking at how these transformations shaped a new European identity. The focus will be on Europe as a whole, crossing East and West, North and South, to highlight common features across the continent over the past century.

We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2025/26. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to feedback, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum.

We’ll make sure to let you know of any material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.