Europeanization in the Twentieth Century. Historical Approaches

Abstract

Europeanization is a reality of Europe's present and near-future. But it is also a phenomenon that has a past, which has defined the processes of Europeanization which have occurred in Europe across the twentieth century. This volume, written by a team of British and German historians, provides the first account of the history of Europeanization, both as a concept and a reality. Embracing a wide range of historical subjects, including imperial, political, social, economic and cultural history, the authors demonstrate how Europeanization has changed in nature and content from the heyday of imperialism in the early decades of the century, through the violent conflicts of Europe's mid-century to the establishment and growth of the European Union from the 1950s onwards. Incorporating subjects as diverse as imperial architecture, the horrors of the Holocaust, and the development of a European form of pop music, this volume demonstrates the inherent plurality of Europeanization as well as its importance for providing a new approach to the history of Europe during the twentieth century.