So, About Modern Europe . . .: A Conversational History from the Enlightenment to the Present Day

The West – Europe and the USA – has kind of had its way with the world for a few centuries. Why else does everyone speak English, listen to hip-hop, and want to buy Mercedes? Starting with the Enlightenment, Europeans developed big ideas that have increased opportunities for people around the world and raised standards of living. But those same ideas have also produced wars, genocide, colonialism, and the potential for global environmental disaster. This book describes the origins and legacy of this mixed bag of ideas which includes everything from democracy and feminism to those old foes, communism and capitalism. After all, it’s a bag which still shapes how most people on the planet look at things today. In a natural, funny and engaging style, So, About Modern Europe... expertly guides readers through the good, the bad, and the indifferent of modern European history, convincingly arguing the need to “tip the cap” to the Enlightenment and its influence along the way. (Re)birthing new ideas in the Renaissance -- Science is a human invention -- The Enlightenment will free you and mess you up -- Now, that's a revolution! (France, 1789) -- I've got a fever, and the only prescription is more Nationalism! -- Industrialization, or: welcome to the machine -- On the road again: the ideas and violence of Western Imperialism -- Look, we've got to talk about the Enlightenment -- World War I: the war that did nothing but changed everything -- Between the wars without a center, or: up the creek without a paddle -- Downhill all the way: World War II and the Holocaust -- The Cold War as a line in the sand -- The long, strange and not-so-complete death of Colonialism -- The end of history, or something like that -- You do you: identity politics "Starting with the Enlightenment, Europeans developed big ideas that have increased opportunities for people around the world and raised standards of living. But those same ideas have also produced wars, genocide, colonialism, and the potential for global environmental disaster. In a natural, funny and engaging style, Imhoof guides us through the good, the bad and the indifferent of modern European history"-- Provided by publisher