The Development of the European Nations, 1870-1914 (5th Ed.)

A historical account likely written in the early 20th century. This work examines the significant events and forces that shaped European nations during a transformative period leading up to World War I. The author focuses on themes such as nationalism and democracy, exploring how they influenced the political landscape and conflicts among European powers. The opening of the narrative introduces the complexities of European politics after the Napoleonic Wars and sets the stage for understanding the causes and consequences of crucial events leading to the First World War. Rose discusses the resurgence of nationalist movements, the rivalry between emerging great powers like Prussia and France, and the intertwined impacts of wars and diplomacy on the nation-states of Europe. He emphasizes the roles of key figures such as Cavour and Bismarck in facilitating national unity and how these developments laid the groundwork for the tumultuous changes that defined the continent in the decades that followed. The tone suggests a thorough examination of the historical trajectory leading to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, making it an essential read for anyone interested in European history and the origins of modern nation-states.