HIS 322: Europe Since 1945

After World War II, European political elites faced the challenge of rebuilding the continent in order to establish lasting peace and stability. This process led to the creation of new institutions such as the United Nations, NATO, and later the European integration project, through which states partially sacrificed sovereignty for economic and political cooperation. The course analyzes how Europe has redefined its political and cultural identity since 1945, using historical sources such as speeches, videos, music, and manifestos. It examines key events including the Marshall Plan, the Cold War, decolonization, the rise of the European Union, and developments in Eastern Europe such as the Budapest uprising, the Prague Spring, and the fall of the Berlin Wall. It also explores cultural and political transformations across Europe, including Americanization, social movements, migration, and shifting transatlantic relations.