Europe and the Making of Modernity: 1815-1914

by Robin W. Winks, Joan Neuberger

Europe and the Making of Modernity, 1815-1914 is a clear and engaging chronicle of the political, economic, social, and cultural changes that transformed Europe during the nineteenth century. An introduction neatly summarizes the major issues and events of the French Revolution, while a sweeping narrative takes readers from the Congress of Vienna to the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand at Sarajevo. Employing the latest research, the book incorporates discussions of gender, nationalism, imperialism, the rise of the new working and middle classes, and the ways in which artists represented the modern world to new audiences. It also provides a unique integration of the history of Eastern Europe into the story. Winks and Neuberger explore how European societies responded to the challenges of the French and Industrial Revolutions with the invention of modern political parties and the rise of modern nationalism and the nation-state. They chart the spread of democratic
institutions and the obstacles to democratic reform in a world where rapid change confronted a tenacious past. Europe and the Making of Modernity, 1815-1914 examines the creation of European modernity during the nineteenth century through conflicts over identity, sovereignty, prosperity, security, and human nature. Featuring chronologies, supplemental reading lists, maps, and illustrations for ease of reference, the book is ideal for undergraduate courses on nineteenth-century European history.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, European History

416 pages, Paperback

First published April 7, 2005

About the author

Robin W. Winks was an American academic, historian, diplomat, writer on the subject of fiction, especially detective novels, and advocate for the National Parks.

Reviews

[Kris · Rating 3 out of 5]

A textbook that explores major transitions in Europe through the 1800s. I liked that he tried to be well-rounded, talking about politics, legislation, major leaders, scientific discoveries, industry, agriculture, waves of immigration, inventions, standards of living, border conflicts, colonization, and the arts. I learned about wars I never knew existed.

I wish that he would have talked more about religion throughout, and I wish he would have talked more about the lead-up to WWI. I feel like only at the very end, in the last half-chapter, did he speed up to get to 1914.

I still want to find a book that explores the changes in country borders and leadership (from monarchy to democracy, from kings to presidents) from pre-WWI to post-WWI. How did Europe go from a land of sovereign kings and queens to a land of constitutions and voting democracies?

[J.M. Hushour · Rating 4 out of 5]

Textbooky, but awesome. Has a nice balance of fact, thematic crap (nationalism, imperialism, blather) and a surprising amount on the arts and culture of this period, which is a welcome change.

[Kelly Walter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very clearly organized; informative and well written overall

[bks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Winks analyzed ideological and material factors contributing to European modernity, which he defined as nation, industry, democracy and progress. This period entails dramatic turbulence, which I (in 2016) can relate to. Some history is brutal, but looking from a distance makes me appreciate the strength of humanity (dialectical POV of history?).

[Del Herman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great and informative history of 19th century Europe.

[Jovanna]

Read for 19th Century Europe class. Also No.

[David · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh. European history. This book was ok if that's your thing.

[Cassa · Rating 2 out of 5]

"Read" in that I don't intend to read any of the chapters we skipped.