Remodelling Europe after the First World War: the fate of the vanquished
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- Start Date: 10 Sep 2025End Date: 03 Dec 2025Wed (Daytime): 12:45 - 14:45In PersonLocation: Keeley StreetDuration: 12 sessions (over -13 weeks)Course Code: HEH97Tutors: Sebastien ArdouinFull fee £309.00 Senior fee £247.00 Concession £201.00
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What is the course about?
In this course, we will analyse the consequences of the defeat of the Central Empires and of the peace treaties signed between 1919 and 1923. The focus will be on their immediate as well as their long term political, social and economic consequences, some of which are still felt to this day.
What will we cover?
• Europe before the war: empires and nationalism
• The Paris Peace Conference: organisation and issues
• Germany:
¿ The political consequences of the defeat: revolution and counter-revolution during the early years of the Weimar Republic
¿ The territorial, military and economic implications of the Treaty of Versailles
¿ Versailles and the crisis of the Weimar Republic
• The disintegration of Austria-Hungary and its consequences
¿ Austria after the Treaty of Saint-Germain-en-Laye
¿ Hungary: territorial losses and political upheavals
• The fate of Bulgaria
• From the Treaty of Sèvres with the Ottoman Empire to the Treaty of Lausanne with Turkey.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
Analyse the positions of the “Big Four” at the Paris Peace Conference
Discuss constructively the consequences of the defeat and of the Treaty of Versailles on Germany
Assess the economic impact of the disintegration of Austro-Hungary on Austria
Assess the long-term impact of the Treaty of Trianon on Hungary
Discuss constructively how and why Turkey was able to obtain a revision of the Treaty of Sèvres.
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.
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?
HEH104 Remodelling Europe after the Great War: the creation of new countries.
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.