The years between the two world wars (1918-1939) in Europe saw the rise of radical political movements, both on the extreme right and extreme left. At times, those defending democracy were able to hold their opponents at bay, but more often than not did radical movements, mostly on the right, succeed in taking over the state, which allowed them to implement their political programs.

This 30 CATS undergraduate second-year option module will discuss radical political movements, their struggle against each other and democratic societies. We will inquire why they succeeded in some countries, while democracy could prevail in others. Finally, we will consider how radical movements that took power implemented their politics and their subsequent societal effects. While the module will draw upon national case studies, it aims at understanding radical politics in the interwar period as a genuinely European phenomenon. Themes will include the Russian revolution and its impact on the European working-class movement; the rise of fascist and other radical rightist movements; the struggle for democracy in the era of Popular Fronts, or implementation of fascist regimes in Italy and Germany. Further national case studies will include France, Spain, Romania, or Austria.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Develop critical and analytical thinking.
• Critically evaluate sources for the study of modern Europe.
• Understand historical and theoretical interpretations of modern Europe.
• Present research in an imaginative and concise manner.
• Develop written and oral communication skills.
• Undertake bibliographic research.
• Develop competency in using electronic resources for research and writing.

Further Information:

• Lecture and Seminar Programme; for detailed reading lists and seminar questions, please also see the reading list on Talis Aspire.
• Indicative Bibliography
• Assessment