History 260TW - WW I & Making 20th Century

World War I (1914-1918) was arguably the transformative event of the 20th century. It destroyed four empires, enabled the Russian Revolution, reconstructed the political geography of Central Europe, strengthened independence movements in European possessions overseas, and facilitated the rise of fascism and a second world war 91939-1945). This course explores this history by examining the war's origins, nature, and manifold consequences from 1890s to 1939 in Europe and in global perspective. Readings include Vera Brittain, Testament of Youth, and Modris Eksteins, Rites of Spring. The Great War and the Birth of the Modern Age.