HIST 427-01, The Great War, Fall 2011

Abstract

This course will examine the origins and nature of what George F. Kennan has called “the seminal catastrophe of the twentieth century” – the First World War. After examining Europe‟s international system on the cusp of the twentieth century, we will analyze the outbreak of war in August 1914, the stalemate in the West, the experience of the war on the empires to the East, atrocities and genocide, interactions between civilians and soldiers, the tensions between minorities and authorities, and the attempt to establish a lasting peace in 1919. Central to our discussions will be the impact of the war on the twentieth century. The course meets every Mondays and Wednesdays at 3:00 PM. This class will function as a seminar, and we will devote the majority of our time together discussing the assigned readings. On a few occasions we will use our meetings to watch films. You are urged to contact me at any time with any question or problem concerning any aspect of the course.