Content

Contrary to a widely held belief, modern European history was not a history dominated by the nation state. Until the early 20th century ‘landed’ Empires formed the political structure of the largest part of the continent. The great European oversee-empires even only came to an end in the 1960s. Thus, studying the role of competing political structures (nation state, empire, confederation) in modern European history does not only provide a more informed view of historical developments but also to of today’s Europe’s political situation, in particular after the recent enlargements of the EU. Moreover, different scholars have argued recently that the terminology of empire may help to better understand today’s reality of the EU as well as its future challenges
The course will look at the idea of the nation state and the rise of nationalism in 19th century Europe and 20th century Europe and the partially competing, partially connected building of modern empires. This will be done both on a theoretical level as through historical examples (case studies). This will lead us to finally look at today’s European Union in historical perspective, and on this basis, discussing potential future trajectories of the Union.

Course material

- Texts provided before each session on Toledo

- PP-slides provided on Toledo

Format: more information

Seminar. Active engagement required. Texts have to be read and summarized before each session. 

Is also included in other courses

• N0A06A : Nation State and Empire: Conceptions of Political Order in Modern Europe (1800-2000)