European Civilization, 1648-1945

Lecture Details

European Civilization, 1648-1945 (HIST 202)Revolutions occur when a critical mass of people come together to make specific demands upon their government. They invariably involve an increase in popular involvement in the political process. One of the central questions concerning 1848, a year in which almost every major European nation faced a revolutionary upsurge, is why England did not have its own revolution despite the existence of social tensions. Two principal reasons account for this fact first, the success of reformist political measures, and the existence of a non-violent Chartist movement; second, the elaboration of a British self-identity founded upon a notion of respectability. This latter process took place in opposition to Britains cultural Other, Ireland, and its aftereffects can be seen in Anglo-Irish relations well into the twentieth century.0000 - Chapter 1. The Nature of Revolution Politicization of the Common Man 0953 - Chapter 2. A Different Kind of Revolution in Germany and Italy Unification after the Failure of 1848 2037 - Chapter 3. The Absence of an 1848 Revolution in Britain Reform and Chartism 2820 - Chapter 4. The Unwanted Other The Irish as a Potential Source of Insurgency Complete course materials are available at the Open Yale Courses website httpopen.yale.educoursesThis course was recorded in Fall 2008.