131-012 Total War in Europe: World War One

This subject will focus on Europe during World War I and raise questions about the causes of armed conflict, the nature of total war, and the consequences (social, economic, cultural and political) of war in modern European history. Special emphasis will be placed on illuminating the link between war and social and political change in Europe and on the process of modernisation and its discontents. Topics include the origins of WWI, the experience of war, the impact of war on the home front, the Russian Revolution, the aftermath of the war, and peacemaking. Students who complete this subject successfully should be able to demonstrate general knowledge of the significant aspects of WWI and its impact on European society, politics and culture, and understand the different historical approaches and arguments concerning the causes, course and consequences of WWI.

Written work totalling 4000 words.

A subject reader will be available.