Twentieth–Century Europe: A Brief History, 1900 to the Present

Twentieth–Century Europe: A Brief History presents readers with a concise and accessible survey of the most significant themes and political events that shaped European history in the 20th and 21st centuries. For ease of comprehension, the book is carefully organized into four sections—two covering the period prior to World War II, and two dealing with events of the war and post–war period up to the present. Each chapter begins with a helpful chronology of key events. A variety of supplemental illustrations, maps, tables, charts, and suggested readings enhance clarity. Highlights of this new third edition include a chapter setting Europe in the context of a post–Cold War world with an analysis of major trends in the two decades since the fall of the Berlin Wall and a chapter containing a detailed discussion of the cultural and intellectual currents since World War II. Combining accessibility with thoughtful scholarly insights, Twentieth–Century Europe offers readers an ideal introductory overview to the complexities of a century marked by great achievements and startling barbarity.

Michael D. Richards is Professor Emeritus, Sweet Briar College. He is the author of Revolutions in World History (2003), and has published book chapters, articles, and reviews in scholarly journals, periodicals, and reference works. Paul R. Waibel is Professor of History at Belhaven University. He is the author of Politics of Accommodation (1983), Quiknotes: Christian History (2000), Martin Luther: A Brief Introduction to His Life and Works (2005), and numerous articles and reviews in scholarly journals, periodicals, reference works, and anthologies.