From the Congress of Berlin of 1878 to 1914: how Europe went from peace to war
What led to the Great War? Come and analyse the territorial, political, diplomatic and socio-economic transformations of Europe from the last quarter of the 19th century to understand how the continent descended into hell in 1914.
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- Start Date: 15 Sep 2026End Date: 08 Dec 2026Tue (Daytime): 15:00 - 17:00In PersonLocation: Keeley StreetDuration: 12 sessions (over 13 weeks)Course Code: HEH30Tutors: Sebastien ArdouinFull fee £329.00 Senior fee £263.00 Concession £214.00
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What is the course about?
Following the defeat of Napoleon I at Waterloo in 1815, the Great Powers collaborated to maintain a balance of power in Europe. As a result of what became known as the Concert of Europe, the continent experienced a prolonged period of relative peace. By the late 1870s though, the conflicting visions of the Great Powers regarding the future of the Balkans led to a split within the League of the Three Emperors. The decision of Germany to back Austria-Hungary at the Congress of Berlin of 1878 in order to derail Russia’s ambitions in Bulgaria weakened significantly the League, which had been a key element of the post-1815 international system.
As a consequence of the territorial transformations of Europe, largely driven by nationalist movements seeking to establish their own state, and of the ambitions of the Great Powers in both Europe and further afield where they pursued a policy of colonial expansion, collaboration gave increasingly way to confrontation during the late 19th and early 20th century. Progressively, a realignment of forces took place, leading ultimately to the emergence of two blocs.
Studying the political, socio-economic, territorial and diplomatic transformations that took place across Europe between the last quarter of the 19th century and 1914, and the crises they led to, will allow us to understand how and why the Great Powers failed to preserve peace and ended fighting one of the bloodiest conflicts thus far.
What will we cover?
The situation in Europe in the 1870s
The consequences of the Congress of Berlin of 1878
The end of the League of the Three Emperors and the rapprochement between Russia and France
German foreign policy from Bismarck to the Weltpolitik of Kaiser Wilhelm II
The growing rivalry between Britain and Germany
Britain and France: from tensions to Entente Cordiale
The rapprochement between Britain and Russia
The Alliance between Germany and Austria-Hungary
The first Moroccan crisis and its implications
Austria-Hungary, Russia and the Bosnian question
The Second Moroccan crisis and its consequences
The First and Second Balkan Wars and their consequences
The assassination of Archduke Franz-Ferdinand in Sarajevo
Europe goes to war
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
Discuss constructively what led to the erosion of the Concert of Nations
Analyse the main drivers and the transformation of German foreign policy
Explain what motivated the rapprochement between Britain, France and Russia
Analyse the role of foreign powers in the Balkan crises
Analyse the Moroccan crisis and assess its impact on the relations between France and Germany
Assess the system of alliances built before the Great War
Discuss constructively why Europe went to war in 1914
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
Some background knowledge about European history would be useful but is not essential.
A good standard of English is required.
An open mind and willingness to participate, respectfully, in class discussion and debate.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
The course will be a combination of lectures, backed by PowerPoint presentations, and discussions in large and small groups. Handouts will be given in each class. Material to prepare the discussions will be available on the course website.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Please bring a pen and paper.
Books will be recommended but students are not required to purchase them if they do not wish.
This is not an exam course.
There are no extra costs.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
HEH43 Europe in the 1920s: between democracy and authoritarianism
After under- and post-graduate studies in Politics and History in both France and the UK, Sébastien settled in London. He has been teaching at the City Lit since 2001. Over the years, he has covered many different subjects, including politics, history, economy and culture of Latin America, French modern history, European history, global issues and current affairs. In his classes, Sébastien hopes to give learners the skills, tools and information that can help them not only to make sense of the world we live in but also to understand the origins of the key issues we face.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.