Europe Since 1945: A Concise History

Product Description
As Europe has expanded its influence in world economic and political affairs, there has been an increased need to understand how Europe recovered from the devastation of World War II to become a major world player. This concise history offers a comprehensive overview of Europe's political, social, economic and cultural developments since 1945.

J. Robert Wegs and Robert Ladrech balance a narrative of the major events and personalities of the post-war political scene with a critical assessment of key issues and themes, such as:
- the development of the welfare state
- European integration and the European Union
- the Cold War
- the rise and fall of the Soviet Empire
- the political-economic turmoil in eastern Europe since 1989
- the place of Europe in the globalisation of the world's political-economic affairs.
The text also features further reading sections at the end of each chapter to aid more detailed study, and is enhanced throughout with tables, maps and illustrations.

Written for students and general readers alike, this thoroughly revised, updated and expanded new edition is an ideal introduction for anyone with an interest in the history and politics of post-war Europe, east and west.
Review
I welcome the new edition of this book. Europe Since 1945 has much to be praised for: its structure and style are very clear, its coverage is comprehensive, and it is well documented.' - Dario Gaggio, University of Michigan, USA
Book Description


The fifth edition of this highly successful textbook takes full account of recent events and research in this analysis--both thematic and chronological--of the whole of Europe since 1945. Concise and lucid, it covers a broad span both geographically and in terms of topics covered. Illustrations, tables and maps aid students' understanding of this key period.


From the Back Cover
As Europe has expanded its influence in world economic and political affairs, there has been an increased need to understand how Europe recovered from the devastation of World War II to become a major world player. This concise history offers a comprehensive overview of Europe's political, social, economic and cultural developments since 1945.

J. Robert Wegs and Robert Ladrech balance a narrative of the major events and personalities of the post-war political scene with a critical assessment of key issues and themes, such as:
- the development of the welfare state
- European integration and the European Union
- the Cold War
- the rise and fall of the Soviet Empire
- the political-economic turmoil in eastern Europe since 1989
- the place of Europe in the globalisation of the world's political-economic affairs.
The text also features further reading sections at the end of each chapter to aid more detailed study, and is enhanced throughout with tables, maps and illustrations.

Written for students and general readers alike, this thoroughly revised, updated and expanded new edition is an ideal introduction for anyone with an interest in the history and politics of post-war Europe, east and west.
About the Author
J. ROBERT WEGS was formerly Chair of the History Department at the University of Notre Dame, USA.

ROBERT LADRECH is Senior Lecturer in Politics at Keele University, UK. He is also Visiting Professor at the College of Europe, Bruges, Belgium.