Publisher's Synopsis
The purpose of this book is to explain the key issues of European history in this important period. The reader will acquire an understanding of the key issues of the time. The author, an Oxford University fellow, explains: - the nature of the nation state, the capitalist economy and society. - France and her roles from the Second Empire to the Third Republic. - Germany: The existence of the Second Reich. - The Eastern Question and the nature of the Ottoman Empire. - The Austro-Hungarian Empire and the nature of monarchy. - Russia 1870-1914: the Tsarist Regime and how revolution would come. - Britain 1870-1914: how free trade and industrialism formed a major part of the empire. - Italy 1870-1914: the legacy of unification. - New Imperialism: the motives and causes of rivalry. - The Great War and the effects on the continent of Europe. This is a fascinating overview of this period of history and is ideal for any person studying and wishing to understand Europe as a continent.
