The Rise and Fall of Empires Part 2: 1940-1991

What is the course about?

We will begin by looking at the state of the world in 1940 and see which empires were expanding and which were declining at this time. We will discuss how the Second World War affected the relationships between old and new imperial powers. We will go on to look at the dismantling of the British, French, Dutch and other European empires and spend some time considering the impact the Cold War had on the creation of new power blocs and the process of decolonisation around the world.

Please note: there will be no class on the 29th October.

What will we cover?

-The state of the world in 1940
-Expanding and declining empires
-Second World War and the relationships between old and new imperial powers
-The dismantling of the British, French, Dutch and other European empires
-The impact the Cold War had on the creation of new power blocs and the process of decolonisation around the world.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

-Discuss the effects of the Second World on existing empires
-Show an awareness of the some of the struggles for independence in some of the colonial territories formerly controlled by European powers, including India, Algeria, Indo-China, Egypt and the Middle East, Indonesia and Kenya
-Suggest how key players in the Cold War both developed new empires and played a role in decolonisation in parts of the world.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

This is an introductory course and does not assume any previous study or reading although you will need a good grasp of English to keep up with the various topics. You will gain more from the course if you are able to do some supplementary reading. As with most of our history and current affairs courses, intellectual curiosity and an open mind are more important than specific previous knowledge.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

Tutor presentation, group discussion, tutor-guided analysis of documents, images and video clips. You will be given a short reading list in case you would like to do some additional reading, but this is not necessary to participation in class discussion. In case you would like to do some preparatory reading, we suggest ‘One World Indivisible’ by David Reynolds Penguin, 2001).

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

A pen and paper may be useful to make notes.