This course explores the history of Interwar Europe (1918–1939), a period marked by immense social, political, and economic crises. It thematically examines transnational issues of the era rather than focusing on individual national cases. The course investigates how various political and social movements—communism, fascism, and democratic parliamentarism—emerged and struggled for power in the aftermath of the First World War. Key topics include the Paris Peace Conference, the post-war revolutionary wave, the expansion of voting rights across the continent, the evolving social and political role of women in European societies, the 1929 Wall Street Crash and the subsequent global economic crisis, the rise of fascism, and the failure of two major attempts to establish lasting peace in Europe: the League of Nations and the Communist International.
Learning Objectives
This course will provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the complexities involved in the interwar years in the European history. Students will examine the historical, economic, political, and social factors that shaped the creation of the inter-war crisis.
Expected Learning Outcomes
Develop coherent, evidence-based historical arguments, demonstrating effective use of secondary scholarship and primary evidence.
Assess the role of ideology, nationalism, and mass politics in shaping interwar European culture and society.
Explain the political, social, and economic consequences of World War I and their impact on European societies during the interwar period.
Explain the emergence of post-World War I, Wilsonian and Communist alternatives to the old order.
Analyze the causes and consequences of the rise of authoritarian regimes.
Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of interwar democratic systems, particularly in Western and Central Europe.
Interpret primary historical sources (such as speeches, treaties, propaganda, and memoirs) within their historical context.
- Compare differing national responses to economic crisis, including the Great Depression, and assess their role in political radicalization.
Course Contents
Consequences of Total War and the Postwar Crisis
The Idea of World Revolution and the Communist International
Versailles, Wilsonian Liberalism, and the Crisis of Democracy
Fascism: Ideology, Practice, and Power
Stalinism: Socialism in One Country
Toward War: Fascism, Anti-Fascism, and the Breakdown of Peace
Culture, Society, and Modernity
Assessment Elements
Seminar participation
Students are expected to attend all seminars and take active part in the discussion and demonstrate knowledge of the content of lectures and readings. The seminars are based on the given readings provided by the lecturer in the class. Students’ participation in seminars is evaluated by reading the literature and contribution to general discussion in the class.
Quizzes
There will be a total of four quizzes. The lowest grade will be dropped. Quizzes are designed to assess students’ understanding of assigned readings, lectures, and key historical concepts. Quizzes may include multiple-choice, short answer, map identification, or brief essay questions. They are intended to reinforce regular preparation and engagement with course material. Quizzes will be administered periodically throughout the semester, in class. Unless otherwise noted, quizzes are closed book and closed notes. Missed quizzes cannot be made up except in cases of documented, university-approved absences.
Final Exam
The Final Essay Exam is a cumulative assessment designed to evaluate students’ ability to analyze historical evidence, synthesize course themes, and construct a coherent, well-supported historical argument. The exam will require students to respond to one or more essay prompts or other forms of questions drawing on lectures, readings, discussions, and primary sources covered throughout the course. The final essay exam will be administered during the university’s scheduled final exam period. Students will be expected to demonstrate critical thinking, historical reasoning, and effective written communication. Unless otherwise specified, the exam will be closed book and closed notes.
Преподаватель
Йылдыз Али Ягыз
Course Syllabus
Abstract
Learning Objectives
Expected Learning Outcomes
Course Contents
Assessment Elements
Interim Assessment
Bibliography
Recommended Core Bibliography
Recommended Additional Bibliography
Authors