Research Paper Instructions - HIEU 390 – Modern Europe ✓ Solved

Research Paper Instructions - "HIEU 390 – Modern Europe"

This course features a final project of a research paper. Your research paper will immerse you in what it will take to produce a good historical analysis.

The traditional research monograph is a hallmark of the historian’s craft. This includes working off your research and individual research question that you have now turned into a thesis. To make a perfect research paper, you will need to follow the same principles you would for a research prospectus, except you are analyzing and integrating all of your work. You will still need a strong introduction detailing your thesis and how you will formulate your argument to support your thesis.

Your paper will include a brief discussion of the historiography on the topic. This can be just a few paragraphs on the major thinkers and historians in the field. Finally, the bulk of your paper will be spent analyzing the thesis and supporting your main argument by including primary sources, secondary sources, and your interpretation of this information. You will need to tie everything together and reiterate your thesis in your conclusion.

The purpose of a prospectus is to develop your ideas on a topic of your own individual thought process. As this is meant to be a class that develops your content knowledge, the goal is to prepare you better to write and develop historical arguments while building your knowledge of the period. Whether you pick a traditional research paper or prospectus, your paper will be between 2,000 and 2,500 words, between 8-10 pages of content. Your paper should conform to the 9th edition of Turabian.

Paper For Above Instructions

The history of modern Europe is a complex tapestry woven from various socio-political, military, and economic threads. From the turn of the 20th century to the political and social upheavals of the Cold War, Europe has undergone significant transformations. This paper examines the critical events and movements that defined this period, focusing on the causes and consequences of these changes and analyzing them through a historical lens.

Introduction

In exploring modern European history, it is essential to analyze key events that shaped the continent. This paper posits that the interplay between political ideologies, social movements, and economic factors uniquely influenced European societies from the pre-World War I era through the Cold War. The thesis of this research asserts that the emergence of totalitarian regimes, the impact of warfare, and the evolution of economic systems collectively steered Europe into a new age of social consciousness and political realignment.

Historiographical Background

The study of modern Europe is rich with historiographical debates, encompassing various perspectives on events such as World War I, the rise of fascism, and the Cold War dynamics. Historians like Eric Hobsbawm and Tony Judt have emphasized economic factors and class struggles as fundamental to understanding this era. Hobsbawm, in his work "The Age of Extremes" (1994), articulates how industrialization and economic policies shaped social unrest and political upheaval. In contrast, Judt's "Postwar" (2005) provides a narrative focused on European recovery post-World War II, emphasizing the interplay of social and political factors that influenced the formation of modern Europe.

Political Ideologies and Totalitarianism

The early 20th century witnessed the emergence of various political ideologies, laying the groundwork for significant upheaval. The Russian Revolution of 1917, for instance, not only established a communist regime in Russia but also inspired leftist movements across Europe. Totalitarian regimes in Germany and Italy, under Hitler and Mussolini, respectively, reflected a reaction against liberalism and democracy, showcasing a stark shift in political ideology. These regimes capitalized on economic despair and nationalistic sentiments to consolidate power, ultimately leading to World War II.

World War I and Its Aftermath

World War I fundamentally altered the political landscape of Europe. The Treaty of Versailles (1919) aimed to curtail German power but instead sowed the seeds for further conflict by instigating economic hardships and national resentments. The war’s aftermath catalyzed the rise of revolutionary movements and the reconfiguration of state boundaries, influencing the geopolitical dynamics of Europe. Historians such as Mark Mazower emphasize the totalitarian responses to the trauma of war and the quest for national stability in "Dark Continent" (1998).

The Interwar Period and the Rise of Fascism

The interwar period was marked by economic hardship, social change, and political instability. The Great Depression wrought severe economic quagmires across Europe, leading to widespread disillusionment with democratic processes. This socio-economic unrest provided fertile ground for fascist ideologies to flourish. Scholars like Robert O. Paxton have explored the attributes of fascism in "Anatomy of Fascism" (2004), detailing how these regimes promised national rejuvenation at the expense of civil liberties. Such totalitarianism shaped Europe, resulting in widespread repression and the ultimate devastation of World War II.

World War II and Its Consequences

The cataclysm of World War II brought unprecedented destruction but also set the stage for significant political shifts. The aftermath saw Europe grappling with the consequences of total war, leading to the establishment of the United Nations and the onset of the Cold War. The division of Europe into East and West highlighted the ideological rift between capitalism and communism, fundamentally altering Europe’s political map. In this context, historians like Odd Arne Westad have analyzed the Cold War's implications in "The Global Cold War" (2005), stressing the conflict's global nature and its European ramifications.

Economic Developments and the Post-war Reconstruction

Post-war Europe faced the daunting task of reconstruction. The Marshall Plan exemplified the economic cooperation effort led by the United States to revitalize Western Europe. This economic strategy not only fostered recovery but also solidified political alliances against Soviet expansionism. Economic historians, such as John Merriman in "A History of Modern Europe" (2019), highlight the critical role of economic policies in shaping modern European identities and states. The interplay between economic growth and political stability during the post-war period raised questions regarding the future of democracy in Europe.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the complexity of modern European history is underscored by the interplay of political ideologies, socio-economic factors, and military conflict. From the devastating effects of the world wars to the ideological confrontations of the Cold War, this period reshaped European identity and political structures. The examination of these elements contributes to an understanding of how historical narratives are constructed and interpreted within the historiographical landscape. Moving forward, it is essential to continue exploring these critical dimensions to grasp the ongoing evolution of modern Europe.

References

• Hobsbawm, Eric. 1994. The Age of Extremes: A History of the World 1914-1991. London: Michael Joseph.
• Judt, Tony. 2005. Postwar: A History of Europe Since 1945. New York: Penguin Press.
• Mazower, Mark. 1998. Dark Continent: Europe’s 20th Century. New York: Vintage Books.
• Paxton, Robert O. 2004. Anatomy of Fascism. New York: Alfred A. Knopf.
• Westad, Odd Arne. 2005. The Global Cold War: Third World Interventions and the Making of Our Times. New York: The New Press.
• Merriman, John. 2019. A History of Modern Europe: From the French Revolution to the Present. New York: W.W. Norton & Company.
• Geyer, Michael. 2001. “European History as World History.” Journal of World History 12 (2): 119-136.
• Kershaw, Ian. 2008. Hitler: 1889-1936: Hubris. New York: W.W. Norton & Company.
• Fukuyama, Francis. 1992. The End of History and the Last Man. New York: Free Press.
• Hobsbawm, Eric. 2002. Globalisation, Democracy, and Terrorism. London: Little, Brown and Company.