HIST 260

Eastern Europe from the Eighteenth Century to the Present

Chad Bryant

This course follows the history of Eastern Europe from the eighteenth century to the present. Special emphasis will be given Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, and the former Yugoslavia. The first third of the course discusses developments within the Habsburg monarchy, which, before its demise after World War I, stretched from present-day Poland to Bosnia and included twelve major nationalities. The second third examines the years from 1918 to 1945. The era began with the creation of “multinational nation-states.” It culminated with Soviet “liberation” from Nazi domination and the creation of nationally homogenous populations in East-Central Europe. The last third concentrates on the period of Communist rule in the region, which lasted until 1989. The course will conclude with a brief look at the Yugoslav wars and issues surrounding accession to the European Union. Course requirements include a seven- to eight-page paper, two midterms, a final exam, and active participation in class/