The Pursuit of Power: A Comprehensive Account of Europe’s History from 1815 to the Present
Summary
The Pursuit of Power is an insightful and comprehensive book written by Richard J. Evans, chronicling the history of Europe from 1815 to the present day. The book covers a range of topics including the economy, society, gender, religion, and culture. The book aims to provide a complete picture of how Europe has evolved over the last two centuries and explores the shifts in power, economic development, and societal changes that have defined the continent’s history.
Table of Contents
- The Beginning
- Chapter 1: The Europe of 1815
- Chapter 2: The Industrialization of Europe
- Chapter 3: The Birth of the Nation-State
- Chapter 4: The Social and Economic Effects of Nation Building
- Chapter 5: Europe’s Imperial Age
- Chapter 6: The Road to War: 1900–14
- Chapter 7: The First World War
- Chapter 8: The Russian Revolution
- Chapter 9: The Interwar Years: Democracy and Dictatorship
- Chapter 10: The Second World War
- Chapter 11: The Cold War
- Chapter 12: Post-War Europe: The Golden Age
- Chapter 13: The End of the Golden Age: The Crisis of the 1970s
- Chapter 14: The Fall of Communism and the New Europe
- Chapter 15: The Challenges of the Twenty-First Century
- Conclusion
Q&A
Q: What inspired Richard J. Evans to write The Pursuit of Power?
A: Richard J. Evans wrote The Pursuit of Power to provide a comprehensive account of Europe’s history from 1815 to the present day. He believes that despite the many individual histories of individual countries and regions, there is a broader European history that can be told that reflects the continent’s shared experiences and pivotal moments.
Q: How does The Pursuit of Power differ from other European history books?
A: The Pursuit of Power is different from other European history books because it provides a comprehensive account of Europe’s history from 1815 to the present day. Most European history books tend to focus on specific periods or countries, while this book provides an overview of the entire continent’s history in one volume.
Q: What are some of the key themes of the book?
A: The book covers a range of themes including the economy, society, gender, religion, and culture. It explores the shifts in power, economic development, and societal changes that have defined the continent’s history. The book also covers key European events such as World War I and II, the Cold War, and the fall of communism.
Q: How does the book approach gender and religion?
A: The book explores the role of gender and religion in European history. It covers topics such as women’s movements, prostitution, and sexuality, as well as the role of religion in shaping European culture and politics.
Q: What is the significance of 1815 in Europe’s history?
A: 1815 marked the end of the Napoleonic Wars and the beginning of a new era in European history. The Congress of Vienna was held in 1815 and it resulted in the re-drawing of Europe’s political map. It also marked the beginning of a period of economic prosperity and technological innovation that would shape Europe’s history for the following two centuries.
Q: How does The Pursuit of Power cover the period of imperialism?
A: The book covers Europe’s imperialist age in detail, exploring topics such as colonialism, the exploitation of resources, and the impact of imperialism on European culture and society. It provides an account of European imperialism both within and outside of the continent.
Q: How does the book cover the two World Wars?
A: The book covers both World War I and World War II in detail, exploring the causes and consequences of both conflicts. It explores the political and economic factors that led to the wars, as well as the social impact of the wars on Europe’s societies and culture.
Q: How does The Pursuit of Power end?
A: The book ends with a discussion of Europe’s challenges in the twenty-first century, including economic, political, and social issues. It explores how Europe has responded to these challenges and what the future might hold for the continent.
Conclusion
The Pursuit of Power is a comprehensive and insightful book that provides a complete picture of Europe’s history from 1815 to the present day. It covers a wide range of topics and themes, exploring the economic, societal, gender, religious, and cultural factors that have shaped Europe’s history over the last two centuries. The book is an excellent resource for anyone interested in European history and provides a valuable insight into the continent’s past and present.
